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TESTIMONY 



TAKEN BEFORE THE 



ij®iis^^ (P(i)iiiia^i»iiis 



OF THB 



SENATE AND HOUSE OF DELEGATES 



OF 



DRYLAND 



IN BEHALF OF THE 



Civil Authorities of Baltimore^ 

To which was referred the memorials of John B. M orris ^ 
Reverdy Johnson and others^ praying indemnity for 
losses sustained by reason of the Riols in Baltimore, 
in the month of August^ eio^hteen hundred and thirty five. 



PURLISHBED BY ORDER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 



ANKAPOLIS: 



WILLIAM M'NEIU, PKINTEIl, 



INTERROGATORIES. 



Questions propounded by the Committee to Wit- 
nesses produced and sworn in the matter of Reverdj 
Johnson, John B. Morris and others, by memorial, claim- 
ing indemnify for property destroyed by rioters in Balti- 
more, in August, 1835. 

Question 1st. Are you a citizen of Baltimore.'' What 
is your business or general occupation.'' Were you in the 
city of Baltimore during the month of August 1835, and 
particularly on the 8th, 9th and 10th days of that month.'' 

2d. Did you see the proceedings of the mob or any and 
what of them.'' What number of persons appeared to 
compose the mob or openly to countenance and encour- 
age it.'' 

3d. Was it generally known or apprehended by the 
citizens, and on what grounds, and particularly, was the 
civil authority or police of the city aware that a combi- 
nation was forming in the city for the purpose of break 
ing the public peace and of destroying the property of 
citizens? 

4th. What measures were adopted by the public au- 
thorities to prevent the formation of the mob, to disperse 
it, to prevent or to stop its violence.'' 

5th. Had the authorities (civil and military of the city) 
means by which the mob might hare been prevented from 
assembling or dispersed or restrained from destroying 
the property of the Memorialists and others, what were 
those means, and were they exercised? 

6ih. When the mob was finally quelled, was it gene- 
rally understood, reported and believed that it had de- 
signed to destroy the property of other persons? By 
whrt means was it quelled? Might not the same means 
or others of equal effect have been called into exercise 
at any stage of the violence? 



TESTIMONY. 



JAMES L. RIDG ELY, being sworn, answers — 

To the first interrogatory, I answer, that I am a citizen 
of Baltimore, an Attorney at Law by profession, but at 
present, engaged in the manufacturing of gunpowder. 
I was occasionally in Baltimore, during the month of 
August, but on the 8th, 9th and 10th of that month, was 
at my place of residence in Baltimore county. 

To the 2d, Sd, 4th, 5th and 6th interrogatories, I an- 
swer, that not having been in the city during the riots, 
I have no knowledge to communicate in answer to these 
interrogatories. 

Questions by Mr. ELY. 

1st. Were you a member of the City Council at the 
time of ihe late riots in the city of Baltimore."* 

2d. What was the advice of the city council to the 
Mayor on the Monday after the destruction of Mr. John- 
son's property on Sunday, and particularly as regarded 
the use of fire-arms for the purpose of suppressing the 
mob.'' 

Answer 1st. He was. 

Answer 2. On the Monday succeeding the destruction 
of the property of the Memorialists, the Council was 
summoned by the Mayor, this deponent had come into 
the city on Monday morning, having heard of the riots. 
He attended at the council chamber; the mayor, Mr. Hunt, 
appeared in the presence of both branches of the coun- 
cil, assembled in the chamber of the first branch, and 
then made a statement of the outrages which had been 
perpetrated in the city, during the few days previous. 
He narrated to the council the means he had adopted to 
suppress them, and the unsuccessful issue which had 
attended the adoption of those means, and concluded his 
address by inviting the co-operation of the council in 
adopting some other means — the council then assembled 
n their respective chambers, and a joint committee of 
both branches was appointed: before the committee had 



retired, Doctor Alexander in compnny with some other 
gentlemen, presented themselves as a deputation from a 
meeting which was then holding at the Exchange — leave 
was given him to address the Council, when he informed 
them that a large number of citizens with General Smith 
at their head, would be under arms and rally to the aid 
of the civil authorities; he had come to inform (he City 
Council of the fact. The subject of his address, was also 
referred to the joint committee. That joint committee 
met and made the following report. 

Mr. Scott from the said committee, submitted the fol- 
lowing report, which was read a first, and by special 
order the second lime, and concurred in. It was also con- 
cuired in by the Second Branch. 

The joint committee of both branches of the City 
Council of Baltimore, to whom was referred the commu- 
nication of the mayor, take leave to 
REPORT, 
That they recommended an appeal to the good sense of 
this community, and present an address to that effect as 
a part of this report. They also recommend that the same 
be signed by the mayor and presidents of the first and 
second branches, printed and circulated forthwith. 
Which is respectfully submitted, 
John Scott, 
Henry Myers, 

Jas. L. Ridgely, Committee 

John M. Steuart, }> of 

George Gardner, 1st Branch, 

Walter Ball, | 

JohnB. Seidenstricker,J 
James Carroll,"| 
VVm. Barney, [^Committee 
D. Stuart, { 2d Branch, 

JacoD Smith, J 
THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL TO THE 

PEOPLE OF BALTIMORE. 
We feel ourselves bound to address you on the subject 
of the unhappy disturbanse of the public peace. It is en- 
titled to your consideration. Can you peruse it without 
yielding to the lawfully constituted authorities of your 
city, your attention and zealous co-operation? Does not 
every citizen look with painful emotions upon the melan- 
choly events which have transpired; which have insulted 



the dignity, sported with the happineas, subverted the 
peace, and defamed the fair character of our city. 

Citizens of Baltimore, we appeal to your known sense of 
public right; your known submission to the supremacy of 
law, to unite with us in every peaceful effort to restore pub- 
lic tranquility, and we earnestly exhort you to maintain it. 

Let not curiosity carry any to public and tumultuous 
meeting?, lest the guilty be confounded with the innocent. 
We entreat all good men to remain at home, unless called 
upon to aid the civil authority. The laws must prevail, 
else there can be no security to life or property, and the 
continuance of further violence must reach in its conse- 
quences the guilty and innocent alike. 

In vain shall we have inherited the sacred liberties trans- 
mitted to us by our forefathers— in vain shall we claim a 
rank among the civilized nations of the earth — in vain shall 
we live, if the civil authority be trampled under foot, and 
the wildest passions of human nature be substituted for 
peace and order. 

Lei the representatives of the people not then appeal in 
vain to their sound judgment and intelligence. We invoke 
the whole community to unite with us in every pacific effort 
to restore tranquility to the city, and the supremacy of the 
laws of the land. 

By order, 

S. H. MOORE, Clk. 

The report was unanimonsly concurred in by both 
branches of the council. 

Questions by Mr. JOHNSON. 

1st. At what hour was the council actually convened 
on the Monday to which you refer, in your answer to 
the interrogatories of Mr Ely, and had they been in 
session at any time during the riots, or the course of the 
riots, or had they been called upon to convene by the 
mayor during that time? 

2d. Did the report of the City Council of which you 
have spoken, receive the sanction of the mayor. 

3. Did the mayor resign his ofiice after the riots, and 
on what day after the riots? ^as it not about the time or 
at the time of the publication of the report referred to? 
Do you remember the day on which General Miltenber- 
ger assumed the duties of that office? 



Answer to Mr. Johnson's questions. 

1st. I believe the Council was convened on Monday, 
at 10 o'clock, succeeding the riots. The Council had 
not been previously in session since the annual session, 
which session terminated about the middle of April. He 
has no knowledge of the mayor having convened the 
Council after the annual adjournment. He is positive, 
that if there was any meeting during that time, it had no 
connection with the riots. The mayor has authority to 
convene the council at any time. 

2d. He is not able to answer the question. He says 
that the report does not bear the signature of the mayor. 
It was intended by the City Council that the address 
should have be' n signed by the two Presidents of the 
City Council. It was not so signed, for what reason the 
deponent does not know. 

3. The mayor resigned his office about noon on Mon- 
day. It was previous to the publication of the report of 
the joint committee, referred to by the deponent. Gen. 
Miltenberger became mayor on the same day, in virtue 
of his office as President of the first branch. 

WM. G. READ, being sworn, answers: 
Answer to 1st Interrogatory. I am a citizen of Balti- 
more, where I have resided (excepting one period of about 
18 months) since 1822. I am a member of the bar, but 
through infirm health, liave for many years been obliged to 
decline such professional duties as require attendance on the 
courts, and devote myself to the eonduct of my private af- 
fairs. I was in Baltimore during the entire montn of Au- 
gust 1S35. 

Ans. to 2d Int. I witnessed proceedings ol the mob 
on Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday; also on A/bn- 
day morning. It will be borne in mi(id that their opera- 
tions were, after the first night, conducted in detached parts 
of the city. A ji'st distinction has been drawn between 
the active and passive portions of it. On the only occa- 
plon when I saw them concentrated, viz. on Friday evening, 
1 estimated the active rioters at about 150, composed chief- 
ly of boys or very young men; there were many thousands 
present, whose numbers I could not venture to state with 
any approximation to certainly, and who were, almost to a 
man, approvers if not instigators of violence. 

Ans. to 3d Int. It was generally apprehended, by tho 



8 

citizens and the civil aiithorities of Baltimore, that some vi- 
olent attempts would be made against the persons or pro- 
perty of certain individuals, who were supposed to be re- 
sponsible for the failure of the Bank of Maryland. The 
circulation of written notices, inviting the citizens to tar 
and feather Aiessrs. Reverdy Johnson and John Glenn, two 
of which I saw, might be regarded among the clearest in- 
dications, in the known state of the public mind, of an ap- 
proaching storm. 

Ans. to Int. 4th. The most satisfactory mode of answer- 
ing the 4th interrogatory, appears to me to be to state suc- 
cinctly every thing that occurred, within my own observa- 
tion, according to the order of time. And, as the depo- 
nents heretofore examined, have been indulged in a some- 
what wide range of personal remark, I shall throw myself 
on the courtesy and justice of the committee for a similar 
privilege. A hasty perusal of the testimony heretofore pub- 
lished, has disclosed to me the charge that the late mayor 
of Baltimore was ^t«V/e(/, throughout the crisis referred to, 
by ''secret and irresponsible ail visers" — and it seems to me 
that myself am pointed at as one of them; by innplication 
at least, if not directly. I therefore avail myself of the ear- 
liest occasion afforded by thisexaminationj to deny that im- 
putation in the most emphatic terms. Until the forenoon of 
Friday, the 8th of August, I had held, to the best of my 
recollection, no personal communication with Mr. Hunt 
whatsoever, for many weeks, and certainly had offered him 
no advice as to the mode of meeting the expected troubles. 
I found him on Friday ivith the town meeting already re- 
solved on, and several copies of the call for it, lying read}' 
before him, which were immediately sent to the diffeient 
evening papers. At his request, I assumed the task of en- 
deavouring to engage t!ie services of suitable gentlemen to 
assist him as officers to preside at that meeting, and of pre- 
paring resolutions, and left him forthwith. I had not ten 
words of communication with him from that moment till 
the meeting at his office at noon on Saturday; and what in- 
tercourse I had with him related solely to the conduct of 
the town meeting, and took place during its continuance. 
All the communication I held with him at that meeting on 
Saturday, was openly addressed to him as its chairman, Irom 
my place on the floor. I did not see him again till the hour 
of half-past 5 on Saturday a.'^ternoon, and said nothing to 
him then which was not heard by all present. What I said 
shall be repeated hereafter. Thenceforward I had no com- 



munication with him, till I informed him, at about half-past 
one that night, that I had decline'l the responsibility of arm- 
ing my post; and from that moment, I saw him no more un- 
til Sunday forenoon, of wliich interview I shall speak at 
large hereafter. As these statements will be read with much 
interest in the community where I live, I must ask the fur- 
ther indulgence of the committee, while I correct another 
general error. I have been, through what device I know 
not, held up to the public in the unenviable light of the 2/i- 
ventor or deviser of what have been ludicrously denomi- 
nated the ''rolling pins. " A/en of honour vvho have a- 
dopted and circulated this idea, will blush for their indis- 
cretion, vv^hen ihey learn 7nij solemn asseveration that I 
neither suggested these instruments, nor ever saw or heard 
of them, till they were displayed to the assembled citizens 
at half-past 5 on Saturday; and that, up to this moment, I 
know not who is entitled to the credit or discredit of them. 
1 regarded them as wholly inefficient for any useful pur- 
pose. 

Having trespassed thus far, in a way which honourable 
men will nadily excuse, I return to the narrative of events: 
Being in languid health, and of retired habits, I knew 
nothing of the tumultuary assemblages near Mr. Morris's 
house, until Friday morning, As soon after learning them, 
as I could escape from some domestic engagements, I has- 
tened to the office of the mayor, as I thought it the duty of 
every good citizen to do, — apart from my long standing 
habits of esteem and regard for him. I found him, as I 
have stated, with the call for a town meelinf;; prepared. 
Entirely approving the measure, which I still think was 
wise and proper, I enquired **what arrangemen's he had 
made for tlie organization of the meeting, and preparation 
of resolutions?" He replied that ''he was entirely alone — 
with no one to aid him" — and asked, if I would render him 
those good offices? I cheerfully assented, and proceeded in- 
stantly upon the business. And here I slate, as illustrative 
of the difficulties of those times, tliat thoi'gh I addressed 
myself to many of our most respectable citizens, upon those 
subjects, I could not obtain active co-operation but from 
one; who exerted himself strenuously, but unsuccessfully, 
to engage an individual, who was prominent among the 
creditors of the Bank of Maryland, to take part iii the pro- 
ceedings at the Exchange. At a late hour — worn down 
with fatigue and disgust — I fonnd a few gentlemen of my 
acquaintance accidently assembled, whom I prevailed on to 
2 



10 

remaiu together, until I could sketch the resolutions Mr. 
Hunt had requested. I wrote them hastily — they were the 
same which were adopted at the exchange, and, as I do not 
think they have been fairly represented, I prefer submit- 
ingthem to the committee as they really are. 

1st. Resolved, That this meeting regards with the most 
profound regret and disapprobation, the recent attempts to 
create disturbance in our city 

2d. Resolved, That the spirit of violence which has been 
exhibited of late in diflferent parts of the United States, is 
calculated to injure our country in the esteem other of nations 
— to annihilate her weight in the social system — and to ex- 
cite the most serious alarm in the friends of free insti- 
tutions. 

3^. Resolved, That while popular excesses are, under 
despotic governments, sometimes justified, by the invetera- 
cy of evils to which no other corrective can be applied, they 
are inexcusable in free States, where the people, being the 
sources of authority and dispensers of power can easily re- 
medy any defect in their legal systems. 

Ath. Resolved, That universal obedience to the laws is 
the only guaranty of Republican Liberty. 

5th. Resolved, That we should especially deplore any 
demonstration of a contrary spirit in Baltimore, whose revi- 
ving prosperity it would seriously impair, while it would 
degrade her from hei high moral stand among American 
cities. 

6/A. Resolved, That, in the opinion of this meeting it is 
the duty of every friend of good order to cooperate with the 
civil authorities, in all such measures as may be deemed 
necessary for the maintenance of the public peace and the 
reputation of the city^ 

1th. Resolved, That it is recommended to the Mayor to 
offer suitable rewards for the detection of persons who may 
be guilty of disseminating papers instigating the rash and 
the unthinking to a breach of the pubjic peace. 

8/A. Resolved, That parents, guardians, and masters, are 
respectfully requested to restrain those under their control 
from frequenting nightly assemblages. 

There is a fact, however, not known but to a few, which 
I consider important in the history of those resolutions, and 
the occasion which gave rise to them. The 6th as original- 
ly drafted by me, was a proposition lor the citizens to or- 
ganize committees, on the spot, for the difierent wards, to 
act themselves, and engage the services of all the friends of 



11 

order, to be sworn as special constables. To this I conpi- 
dered all the rest as merely introductory, and I meant it as 
a test of the temper of the citizens, before the near ap- 
proach of Saturday night, to which, for obvious reasons, 
we all looked forward as ihe real crisis of danger. When 
1 read it to the company, one gentleman, of the highest 
standing for intelligence, honour, and experience, suggest- 
ed a doubt of iis prudence. He was supported in his views 
by another, second to no man in this State for chivalrous 
gallantry and gentlemanly feeling. In fact, there was not 
one dissenting voice from that opiniou, but my own, and 
yet, one of the objects of popular fury was present, and 
assisting in our debate! I yielded my own judgment to 
that of more experienced men, in whom I felt assured Mr. 
Hunt, (for whom I was acting) would have felt more confi- 
dence than in myself, had he b^en present at our delibera- 
tions. 

But this is not the whole history of those resolutions. 
The time which I had lost in vainly endeavouring to rally 
about the mayor some of the wisest and most influential 
members of the community, made me late in arriving at 
the Exchange. I found the meeting on the point of being 
organized, and on forcing my way to the gallery, where the 
mayor was, I found myself unexpectedly named as one of 
the Vice Presidents, together with Gen'l. Leakin, Dr. 
Bond, Wm. Krebs, and Columbus O'Donnel, Esquires. 
On motion, we were ordered to withdraw, and prepare re- 
solutions. Gen'l. Leakin produced a copy, which was 
read; the contents 1 do not remember, nor whether their 
recommendations were more specific than mine; but him- 
self moved the adoption of the latter, after they had been 
read to and approved by that respectable committee, and I 
was requested to read them to the meeting, as having a loud 
voice and being familiar with the hand writing. And here 
a single question recurs. Why, if these proceedings were 
such miserable drivelling,|did not some stronger spirit or 
wiser head suggest a better course? Is it for honourable 
men, when convened by their chief municipal magistrate, 
(who holds his authority from them and for their benefit, 
and who can no longer exert iteffeciually than he is sustain- 
ed by the intelligence and virtue of the community) to 
consult for the preservation of the Citj' from the most a.- 
larming dangers — is it lor them, I ask, to a!)andon her to 
obvious fate, and save their consciences with Iviacbeth's 
poor quibble: — 

"Thou cau'st not say I did it?" 



12 

The incidents next in order, are those of Friday night. 
I had an engagement after the town meeting, in a distant 
quarter of the City. On my return to my dwelling near 
the Cathedral, I found every thing so still, that, being much 
fatigued I should have retired to rest, but for having acci- 
dentally met an old acquaintance, who was staying at Bar- 
num's and was to leave town early on Saturday morning. 
On my way to see him, I was apprised by the uproar, as I 
approached the square, of the existence of a riot. I in- 
stantly hurried down, and arrived at the moment when Mr. 
Hunt, having inefiectually endeavoured to obtain a hearing 
from the crowd, wiis calling about liim those who were wil- 
ling to sustain his authority. As I hastened towards him, 
I met Mr. Kettlewell, who begged me to address the mul- 
titude. I instantly ascended Mr. Johnson's steps, and stood 
bare headed, amidst a shower of stones, for a considerable 
time, till finding it impossible even to hear myself, in the 
clamour, I left tiie position, and joined the citizens who were 
supporting the Mayor. A suggestion was now made — I 
think by Gen Miltcnberger, to interlock our arms and en- 
deavour to sweep the rioters out of the Square — I thought 
the plan a bad one, but considering it better to join, heart 
and hand, in whatcverisresolvedon in such conjunctures, than 
to stand by doing nothing but criticise, I took my place in 
a line of from 20 to 30 men and we rushed against the crowd. 
Ineffectual as it was for the purpose proposed, our charge 
satisfied me on one point; that the actual rioters were few, 
and contemptible; for this handful of men were able to pass 
through that dense crowd, around the South front cf the 
iV/onumeiit, and along its eastern side as far north as Mr. 
Smith's house, and 1 know that our portion, did not break 
their hold. After this, we dispersed ourselves throughout 
the crowd, whirh made no further demonstrations of vio- 
lence, than the throwing of an occasional stone, against Mr. 
Johnson's windows, every crash of which was echoed by 
an approving shout of merriment. 

I am free to confess that the events of that evening in- 
S|)ired me with good hopes of the eventual restoration of or- 
der. Well aware of the almost universal prejudice against 
Messrs. Johnson Glenn, and others, I was gratified to find 
an immense ]->ortion of the community passive, in regard to 
deeds ihey evidently were j^leased at I believed that, with 
the delusive casuistry that sometimes misleads multitudes as 
well as individuals, the vast majority of the people of Bal- 



13 

timore, would keep their hands clean from all participation 
in a mob, though, in their z -al for what they misiakenly 
considered summary justice, they would not aid in its sup- 
pression. I believed that the active ao;ents of sedilior., A'ere 
few, and stimulated by the vilest motives; and many of them 
by the sheer spirit of wantonness and love of mischief. — 
I believed that the substantial citizens would rouse up at last 
and put an end to scenes disgraceful and dangerous to our 
town. 

V'Vith these impressions, I obeyed the summons of the 
Mayor to attend at his office on the following day, at noon. 
I met there a very repectable assemblage of the prominent 
men about town; — Lawyers, ph3-sicians, clergymen, edi- 
tors &c. Men who might be presumed to know the slate 
of public feeling, and alDle to devise measures adequate to 
the emergency. Mr Hunt opened the meeting with a brief 
and comprehensive detail of the previous disturbaitces, and 
requested our advice as to the course most expedient to pur- 
sue. A gentleman, (Capt. Chevesas I think) then rose and 
expressed a wish that somebody would bring forward a 
plan of operations. Nobody seeming prei)ared to do so, 
I rose and submitted the following proprositions — the only 
ones offered by me on that occasion, substantially diffe- 
rent as they are from those aotually adopted — and vvhich 
I copy from a paner fortunately resumed by me from the 
hand of Mr. James M. Buchanan, who will lemember my 
remark that this document might hereafter be valuable, 
and which can be identified by his own pencil memoran- 
dum, altering one of the resolutions to a form in which it 
was subsequently offered by himself. 

'^Resolved, that the Mayor be recjucsted to jirocure forth- 
with 1000 clubs and have them in readiness at the City 
Hall." 

"That 1,000 citizens be engaged forth witli to assemble 
at the City Hall at 5 P. 71/. pledged to susluin the /1/ayor 
in the preservation of peace. 

<''rhat GOO of them be detailed as soon after 5" [as pos- 
sible] "to occupy the avenues to the Square. 

''T'hat -400 constitute a 'corps de reserve.' 

<<That 100 mounted men be engaged to act as a patrol un- 
der Cap . lientzingcr, with clubs and sabies, the latter to be 
used only in the last resort." 

I explained, as I went along, that these clubs should be 
prepared by purchasing a few huiuiicd hoop-poles, which 
could be chopped into suitable lengths by a single blow of 



14 

the adze. I added that the clubs of the horsemen should bo 
secured by wrist knots of leather thongs. 

This project brought up the question of arms or no 
arms? 71/essrs. Scolt, VV, W.Hall and Dr. Bond were the 
most prominent advocates for arms. The opposite course 
was sustained by iJ/essrs. Yates Walsh, James P. Heath, 
and others. After some time had been spent in the discus- 
sion, I rose and stated that "I thought it of evil omen to 
resort to deadly weapons until every peaceable means of 
preserving public order had evidently failed; that with so 
many constantly recurring causes of excitement among us, 
we ought to be careful of familiarising citizens to the sight 
of each others blood shed in civil broil; that the peace of 
our cities was preserved in ordinary troubles by the ordi- 
nary police; that the constable was not armed with a mus- 
ket but a baton; that I thought the present crisis might be 
safely met by a mere extension of the police to the measure 
of ttie pressing danger: that, having been personally en- 
gaged in struggling with the mob the night before, I was 
convinced the actual rioters were few, though countenanced 
by many who had yet remained inactive, and, judging from 
their respectable appearance, would continue so; and I ex- 
pressed a firm belief that, in our extensive community, men 
enough could easily be found to control a handful of mis- 
guided boys, chastising but not killing them." The opi- 
nions of the meeting seemed to hang in doubtful suspense, 
until Mr. James W. McCulloh took the ffoor. He argued 
at length, and with great clearness of statement and elo- 
quence of illustration, that the city could be protected "by 
the power of the -mace, without appealing to the sword;'* 
that "the citizens would support the vuice,'^ &c. This 
speech appeared to me to decide the course of the meeting. 
It was then moved by Gen. il/iltenherger that 50 men from 
each ward, should be engaged to come down and sustain the 
mayor. I objected to this as insufficient. He modified his 
proposition to "at least 50 from each ward," and on my 
asking (standing near him at the time) if they were not to 
be furnished with any sort cf weapons, replied, "we were 
to say nothing about clubs — they were to come and support 
the mayor in keeping the peace.^' It is proper here to state, 
in illustration of the influences to which our late mayor was 
insensibly subjected, that when I first pronounced the word 
"clubs" there was a decided gesture of disaf probation from 
a gentleman high in his confidence and respect (and in that 
of all who know him,) who sat near him on his right, and 



15 

full in his view. The gesture was repeated by others in 
the same quarter, to which, being immediately opposite to 
me, my atteniion was chiefly directed. That gesture was 
not in reprobation of the weakncsfi of my measures, but 
of their supposed violence. Alter Gen. A/iitenberger's re- 
solution had passed, which, though founded on the same 
principle, was no more like mine than wire-bladed sword- 
canes like tlie bayonets called for by fien Suiith on Tl/on- 
day, — Mr. Buchanan moved "for 100 armed and mounted 
men," which was frittered down to a patrol under Captain 
Bentzinger, We then adjourned, pledging ourselves to u&e 
every exertion to bring out as many men as we could I 
ought to have stated that some questions were, in the course 
of the debate, addressed to several oflicers present, as to 
the feasibility of bringing out with arms the men under 
their command: Capt. Cheves said "he thought his men 
could be brought out" — Capt. Bentzinger said, he thought 
his would not parade in uniform — and 1 hazard. nothing in 
saying, that the latter opinion carried much more weight 
than the other, and was a better indica'ion of the sentiments 
of the mass of the people. 

From the instant of adjournment till half-past 5, except- 
ing about ten minutes spent with my family, I was unceas- 
ingly engaged in endeavouring to raise a posse of the citi- 
zens. In the discharge of this duty, I entered every work 
shop, every new building, every store; I knocked at private 
houses, and addressed myself to passengers on the streets. 
Of the whole number of persons to whom I applied, I know 
of but two who came to the Mayor's office. A few gave 
me languid half-way promises, to get rid of my importuni- 
ty; a few made excuses of business or indisposition; but by 
far the greatner number flatly denied their aid: they stated 
that *'lhey did not approve of mobs and should take no 
part in them, but that these persons had robbed the widow 
and the orphan — that the laws could not reach them or 
were unfaithfully applied — and they would get no more 
than their deserts, from which they would not attempt to 
shield them." It was in vain that I exhausted myself in 
appeals to their reason; that I pointed out the ruinous con- 
sequences of those principles; every suggestion was met by 
the same unyielding argument — "there were laws to punish 
poor rogues but not rich ones; that it was necessary for the 
people to rouse up in their might and redress these grievan- 
ces, which law could not, or courts would not reach; that 
if this had been done when the bank frauds took place 15 



i6 

or 20 years ago, we should not have had this trouble now." 
I mention thej^e circumstances as indispensably necessary 
to be known by tliosc who would form a correct judgment 
•of the state of things in ]5altimore, at the period of which 
I speak; and the rather, as I have known one who held that 
very language to me on Saturday afternoon, endeavour sub- 
sequently to throw all the blame of the mob on Mr. Hunt, 
and impudent!)' aver that himself and others would have 
come to his assistance, had he called on the citizens to take 
up fire arms. 

At half past five on Saturday, I arrived at the mayor's 
office, and saw at a glance, that the whole attempt to raise 
a cons'abulary force had proved a failure. The number of 
citizens assembled was so contemptibly small, that, making 
due attendance for those who came merely through curiosi- 
ty, and would not move a finger in the cause of order, I felt 
assumed not more than a handful could be relied on. Ac- 
cordingly, the instani I reached a convenient place upon the 
floor, I moved "a call of the wards, and a report on the state 
of the town" — my intention being (as was known to Mr. 
James M. Buchanan, who sat at my right, and who repeat- 
edly Ihat night, between the hours of 2 and 3 sitting in 
Barnums tavern, lamented to me that my suggestions had 
not been adopted) to call for efficient weapons; now that it 
wac evident that peaceable means had failed. These trans- 
actions are not forgotten, though they have been overlook- 
ed. Gen. Lcakin, who sat directly in front of me, upon 
the steps of the platform which sustains the President's 
chair, in the room of the first Branch of the City Council, 
shook his head to me, and said "you had better not, you 
will only discourage them" — upon this, I withdrew the mo- 
tion and sat down. Mr. Buchanan immediately rose and 
moved "that the gentleman from the 10th word (meaning 
me) be requested to state to the meeting h.is experience of 
the state of the town;', or words to the same effect. I im- 
mediately detailed, as briefly as I could, what I have stat- 
ed above, adding emphatically, that '•! had every where 
been met, either by a malignant or a cowardly spirit — that 
those who were not with us, were against us, and that we 
would have no aid from the district I had traversed." I 
had scarcely resumed my seat, when Messrs. William H. 
Norris and T. Yates Walsh, rose simultaneously, and said 
that "a very diflerent feeling prevailed in the parts of the 
town they had visited, and tliat we should be amply sup- 
ported" — Again Gen. Leaken urged me "not to discourage 



17 

them," and we were ordered to proceed to our posts. I 
shall not dwell upon the mingled feelincrs of disgust, — mor- 
tification, anxiety, with which I proceeded to occupy, at 
the head of trom 12 to 20 unarmed men, mostly lawyers, 
or persons whose professions did not fit them for such du- 
ties, a very important post immediately in the rear of Mr. 
Johnson's dwelling, and in the direct route of the whole 
population from the north western section of the city, who 
might be moving on thdtpoint. It is due to myself to add 
that this little force was on the point of being disbanded, 
through the hospitality of several gentlemen wiio were in- 
viting them to go home with them to tea; and whose mis- 
taken kindness I checked only by the most earnest inter- 
ference. 

With these inadequate means and under such circumstan- 
ces of discouragement, every thing was done wiuch ordin- 
ary prudence could suggest. A pile of bricks was brought 
in from the front of our position, to prevent their being em- 
ployed as missiles against us; and many persons who es- 
sayed to pass down by that avenue were deterred from do- 
ing so. I myself unceasingly mingled with the crowd of 
lookers on, endeavouring to enlist those who seemed well 
disposed to join their force to ours, and discourage others from 
prosecuting or countenancing schemes of violence. About 
9 o'clock, to the best of my recollection, intelligence was 
brought that several of our most prominent and energetic 
friends were severely wounded, and that the citizens below 
were arming. Shortly after, volleys of musketry announc- 
ed the dangerous posture ot aftairs at the corner of Calvert 
and market streets. A detachment of the mob then passed 
round to Mr. Glenn's house, by the way of Market and 
Charles streets, and before long we heard, from the numbers 
who did nothing but walk from post to post, and carry ti- 
dings, that the mob were in complete possession there de- 
stroying the furniture and drinking the wine. It was un- 
derstood that the order to arms had been issued by Judge 
Brice. About this time, I sent word to the mayor, that it 
would be impossible to maintain that post without firearms. 
I was told by the messenger that aro^s would be sent up to 
us. Having taken this step, I began to consider with my- 
self the extent of responsibility 1 was about to assume. On 
the one hand I felt that reluctance, which every honourable 
man must feel, to see his charge wrested from him without 
even desperate efforts to prevent it. On the other, I had 
serious doubts of the legality of assuming arms under those 
3 



IS 

circumstances. Aware of the tenderness of human life 
which characterises our laws, I doubted the right of a few 
men to snatch up weapons in the heat of excitement, ard 
fire on a promiscuous crowd. 1 remembered and anxiously 
dwelt upon the case of Capt. Porleous, condemned to death 
for giving snch an order, even under the sterner rule of Bri- 
tish law. I remembered the emphatic rebuke upon the 
''rashness and, impropriety," of arming Mrs. Whites' house, 
by a few individuals, in 1S12, expressed to me in 1822, by 
one whose honoured eflfigy hangs before me, and like whom 
"this earth," "bears not alive so stout a gentleman."* 

I felt assured that a judges order "to repel force by force" 
could avail nothing, if the act were illegal, beyond its ex 
tenuating influence, as an "o/^iV^?' dicturn,^' coming from 
high authorit}', on which men less learned might excusa- 
bly rely. And I have since satisfied myself, by examina- 
tion of the statute, that my impressions then hastily arrang- 
ed of the general spirit of the common law, have actually 
been declared as the settled policy of Maryland; where the 
employment of militar}'' force is expressly regulated by enact- 
ments, directing that where it shall be necessary, requisi- 
tionsshallbe made upon the commanders of such portions 
of the militia as may be wanting, and thus the force of the 
country be brought out, in an organized form — in strength 
to put down the very idea of successful opposition to it; 
and under the conduct of officers commissioned by the 
State and responsible for any, improper use of the impor- 
tant authority confided to them. 

But that full justice may be done me, in relation to a 
point very near to my honour, I w:ll further etate, that I 
communicated these views to a gentleman of high legal at- 
tainments, now present, and who was associated with me 
in the command of that post; and I understood him distinct- 
ly to concur with me in opinion; a circumstance which ad- 
ded great strength to my own previous impressions. 

But before it became necessary to take any final step up- 
on the subject, events had occurred which left the question, 
in my opinion, no lorger debateable. The mob had been 
for many hours in possession of JMr. Glenn's house; and 
though repeatedly charged, with the utmost gallantry, by 
Major Finley's small mounted command, the intelligence 
which reached us was. that flushed with wine and victory 
they were about to rush down Fayette street, against the 

*Col. John E. Howard, 



19 

residence of Mv. Johnson. My ranks were now thinned 
to some dozen or fifteen men, and were surrounded by ma- 
ny persons whose good disposition I thoroughly distrusted. 
Tiie most prominent defenders of tlie square were wounded 
and withdrawn from the scene of action. Maj. Finley's 
force was nearly, if not quite annihilated; and himself 
placed "hor? du combat;" — for he recounted to me person- 
ally, while yet in my command, the several charges he had 
made; pointed out the six wounds he had received, includ- 
ing the fracture of his leg; and described to me the density 
of (he mob "as standing so (hick that he seemed to ride 
over their very heads." This conversation, in connection 
with the printed testimony of that gentleman, confirms me 
as to the accuracy of my own recollections of the time of 
night; for he states, (hat he made his last charge about half 
past one; the incidents of which he recounted to me as a- 
bove. Subsequently then, to this period, half a dozen 
muskets were brought up to my post — the first time I or- 
dered them away, in the full belief that they could produce 
no effect but to invite the massacre of every man at that 
station; if, as we expected, the mob should rush down that 
street in force. After some time, they were again brought 
forward, and I distinctly stated to Vhe men that I would 
not assume the responsibility of using them. They insisted 
they would use them, and I resigned my command. I im- 
mediately called Mr. Nelson, my associate in the charge of 
the pest, and informed nim it was now in his sole care; as I 
had declined arming the men. He instantly followed my 
^'xample, using, to the best of my recollection, these pre- 
cise expressions: "I can neither sanction them as a lawyer 
or a man." Immediately after, he added to me that he was 
not opposed on principle to the use of fire arms, but con- 
sidered them entirely improper in the hands of so inade- 
quate a force. 

I retired for a short time to the square, and having in- 
formed the mayor of my ultimate decision, sat down on 
Malcom's steps, to rest myself, for a few minutes, for the 
first time in about 13 hours. I there learned Irom Gen'l. 
Miltenberger, that of 100 muskets distributed, not 30 were 
to be found in half an hour — a statement which confi^rmed 
me in a suspicion I had for some time entertained, that our 
enemies were mingled among our friends. A few minutes 
after this, I heard the approach oi a drum and firing at the 
post I had just left, and considering myself still attachcdl^^' 
to it, I returned thither immediately, running a considera- 



20 

ble portion of the way, as well as my exhausted state would 
permit me. 1 there learned that the firing had dispersed 
the crowd, which was represented as having been very 
large; and it certainly had done so effectually. 

After some lime longer passed at the post, and in Bar- 
num's Hotel, 1 left that station, in company with James M. 
Buchanan and Frederick Dugan, Esquires, and returned 
home at about 3 A. M. — all apprehension of further at- 
tempts, at this time, against the property of Mv. Johnson 
having ceased. 

I consider the foregoing remarks, though somewhat dif- 
fusely written out under the pressure of haste, and though 
partaking perhaps too much of the character of a personal 
narrative, important, as they disclose to the committee the 
nature of the resources under the control ot the mayor, in 
this critical state of his authority. 

On the following day, after a hasty morning meal, I re- 
sumed my way towards the quarters of the Mayor. I had 
not left my ov/n house far, when I was met by a friend who 
was hastening to me with the intelligence, that tremendous 
excitement existed in consequence of the firing, and that it 
was commonly threatened about town, that Mr. Hunts' 
house, that of Judge Brice, and of all others who had been 
concerned in that act, would be destroyed that night. I pro- 
ceeded directly to Mv. Hunt's dwelling, passing through a 
dense mass of v/ell dressed people, who were looking on 
with the utmost unconcern, or satisfaction, upon a few boys 
and men who were deliberately employed in demolishing 
Mr. Glenn's house. Others were passing up and down on 
their way to church, and looking as if they did not wish to 
see what was going on. I found Mr. Hunt with a single 
gentleman, and informed him of what I had heard. He re- 
plied with his usual manner — "well, if after all that I have 
done for the peo| le of Baltimore, after exposing my life in 
endeavouring to keep order, in which I have not been sus- 
tained, if the machinations of my enemies have so far de- 
stroyed my influence, that they are not only ready to see 
my authority trampled under foot, but my little property de- 
stroyed and my person sacrificed, I will not throw away 
my life; I will withdraw from the city to night, and resign 
my office to-morrow." He then complained of the open 
electioneering against him, which he said had been prac- 
tised among the infuriated crowd, which surrounded the 
*>-.*Cank of Maryland en the day of its failure. He complain- 
ed that he had not been sustained by Judge Brice, who, he 



21 

asserted, had gone out of town at the commencement of 
those disturbances, and left him alone; and he added that it 
was Judge Brice who gave the order for arms, and that it 
was hard that he should bear the responsibility. He added 
that "he would leave me and Heath and Blair there." To 
this I answered laughing, "why Hunt if your house is to 
come down, I dont knov,' that your fiiends would exactly 
like it to come down on their he^ds." He replied that he 
did not mean that we should undertake to defend his pro- 
perty, but that we should explain to the people, that he had 
not given the order for firing. 

About this time James lilair, Esq. a magistrate exten- 
sively acquainted with the people of Baltimore, came in 
with similar accounts of the fury which raged on account 
of the firing. Gen. Miltenberger brought the same report, 
but at a later hour than would seem from my original state- 
ment which fixed it about this time. Col. Benjamin C. 
Howard upon whom, through Gen. Steuart's absence, the 
command of the brigade had devolved, then came in with 
a statement which I will repeat in the language of his own 
published card: — "The increased agitation of the public 
" mind on Sunday morning indicated rather an accession to 
"the strength of the rioters, than a rally for tlie preserva- 
**tion of peace. In the course of Saturday night I had re- 
"ceived a requisition for the military services of the bri- 
" gade, the command of which had devolved on me, and 
*< ordered it to parade at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning; no- 
"tices for which were properly circulated during the night 
" and early in the morning. When I arrived on the ground 
"in uniform, I found the projected parade an utter failure, 
"seeing not an individual in uniform or under arms; some 
" of the officers and two or three men, but no more, I have 
" subsequently learned, attended at various times." The 
Colonel added some other particulars, which, as he is sum- 
moned by the committee, may be expected from himself. 
Major Medtart confirmed these statements. Col. Heath 
came in, and stated that he had mounted his horse and rid- 
den round to several places where he was accustomed to 
gain information of the state of the public mind, and that 
he found the most furious excitement prevailing on account 
of the firing, and that, in his opinion, it would be impossi- 
ble to arm the town. Such was the character of the evi- 
dence to which Mr. Hunt's attention was called that mor- 
ning. In fact, I remember but four exceptions among all 
who cf.me and went that day to the opinions above men- 



22 

fionod — two p;entlemen, speaking from the impulse of their 
own hearts, expressed a belief that the citizens would arm 
if called on; and two others, neither of whom that could I 
ever learn, did any thina; before or since — highly respecta- 
ble men — hut one of whom had relused to join my force 
the night before — spoke to the same effect. 

The command of the town was considered for the pre- 
sent as lost. 

In this desolation, 1 was one of three who continued a- 
bout the mayor. The conversation naturally turned on the 
recent calamitous events. It was in reply to a reiteration 
by Mr. Hunt, that Judge Brice had given the order, which 
seemed to have annihilated his last hold upon the confidence 
of the people, that I remarked "suppose you were to throw 
out the idea to them that you did not give the order" — 
The suggestion pleased him, and he replied, "I wish you 
would write me a statement to that effect " I took pen 
and paper, and drew up the Sunday proclamation; the au- 
thorship of which I avowed the instant I learned the un- 
fortunate construction it had received. It was an attempt 
to regain the aifections of a portion of the people, now a- 
lienated from the mayor through the acts of others; and, if 
it could not reinstate his authorit)^, at least perhaps avert 
ruin from my friend. Nothing was further from his or my 
mind than to expose to the fur}' of the populace the brave 
men who had acted so gallantly, and with the noblest mo- 
tives, on the night before. On the contrnr)', a sentence 
which rose to my mind, as I wrote, would have removed 
the very possibility of that interpretation. I was on the 
point of saying "the order was given by Judge Brice," 
(whose authority was known to be concurrent with the 
mayor's;) but I suppressed 'the direct statement, through 
unwillingness to point more odium against that gentle- 
onan, than would follow unavoidably, from the relief 
of another mail, from the fatal responsibility of the 
Judge's own acts. Anrl I would here remark, that the 
same feeling has withheld me, for many months, from 
clearing my character from unfounded imputations which 
I knew of, but which I could not dispel without a general 
exposition, like this, of my entire course, (lest silence on 
any chttrge might be construed into an admission,) and 
which could not be made without opening the fountains of 
bitterness against men whom I honoured and esteemed. — 
But it is proper to shew- yet more clearly, how groundless 
was the cruel charge of sacrificing his defenders, against 



23 

J/r. Ilunf. The proclamation thus prepared for him, was 
read over to John Nelson, Esq. and Gen. Miltenberger — 
the former a distinguished lawyer and scholar, the latter a 
man of no ordinary sagacity, and especially in relation to 
popular subjects. Corrections and amendments to it were 
suggested by each of them; and yet, it never occurred to 
either of us for an instant, that we were denying that those 
who used the arms had acted by legal authority. 

I wish further to state, t!iat I believed implicitly, at the 
time I drew the proclamation for Mr. Hunt, and when it 
left my band, that tiie use of arms was exclusively autho- 
rized by Judge Brice. And, to prevent all misunderstand- 
ing, I add, that I did not consider Mr. Hunt's remaining 
in command, as the executive officer of the town, alter arms 
were ordered by Judge Brice; nor his appointment of sub- 
ordinates in command who were to employ them untler that 
order; nor even his distribution of arms which were in his 
keeping; such an authorization or sanction of their u.'^o, 
as to impair the truth of his statement, that *'the resort to 
deadly weapons," the measure which had brought on him 
the general odium, had been ma-^e'^'against his judgmentand 
advice," or his inference, that Judge Brice, and nut him- 
self, was alone responsible for it. 

Ans. to 5th Inter. In answer to the 5th interrogatory I 
state that the Mayor of Baltimore, the Chief Justice of the 
city Court, and, as I think, his associates, have each thepow- 
er to issue requisitions upon the commanders of the militia, 
for such military force as themselves may judge necessary 
to preserve the peace. I would also particularly remind 
the committee, that the city Court was created by an act of 
assembly, in express reference to a previous mob in Balti- 
more, which it was believed by many, could have been sup- 
pressed, but for the unwillingness of a very worthy man, the 
then Mayor, to jeopard his popularity by taking vigorous 
measures. A proposition was before the legislature to take 
the election of the mayor from the people of Baltimore; but 
a substitute for that measure was adopted, in the establish- 
ment of the city Court, whose magistrates should be inde- 
pendent of the people, invested with power over the mili- 
tary, and authorised to appoint as many bailiffs as might be 
necessary to the proper discharge of their functions, as con- 
servators of the public peace. So much for their authority as 
it exists in the legislation of :he State. But whether they 
coidd have exerted it effectually, on the present occasion, 
I very much doubt. We must remember that, in this 



24 

country, all authority is derived from the peojDle, and can 
no longer he exerted than it is sustained by thenfi; and I as- 
sert it, ds my deliberate opinion, that the public mind had 
conceived so strong a prejudice against the individuals prin 
cipally aimed at by the mob, that a sufficient military force 
could not have been brought out, for their protection. I do 
not mean to say, that the whole population of Baltimore 
were active mob men; but I do say, that so far as my obser- 
vation has extended, both before and since, these persons 
who have suffered did not |)Ossess the sympathies of the 
community, to an extent adequate to their protection. 1 
believe that a foreigner would have stood as good a chance, 
had he illuminated his house, on the occurrence of some 
national calamity. 

Ans. to 6th Inter. It was generally understood on Monday, 
that more victims of vengeance and more objectsof plunder 
were to be struck at by the mob. It melted into nothing, ihe 
moment the citizens at large roused from their apathy, and came 
out in numbers. Thic was in my opinion the result of a total 
change in the posture of affairs. The destruction of Mr. 
Hunt's property and thatofCapt. Benzinger and Willey a- 
wakened people to a sense of the impending ruin of our 
city. Gen. Smith's appearance embodied this returning 
sentiment of duty. I do not believe that this could 
have been done before; or while the property stood of those 
gentlemen connected with the Bank of Maryland. I beg 
lieve, in explanation of what I say, that I am not to be un- 
derstood as intimating any thing but my impressions of the 
state of [he public mind; and that may be inferred from the 
fact, that numbers of those who shouldered their muskets 
so devotedly, have said in my presence — (like many who 
condemn the whole conduct of affairs)— <'Mai mob went 
too far. ^' 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 
Who is the gentleman to whom you have referred as 
agreeing with you in opinion that the use of Fire arms on 
the occasion of v^hich you have spoken in your answer in 
chief? Did he, with yourself leave in consequence of the 
proposed use of arms, the guard under your command in 
the rear of Mr. Johnson's house? If so — who afterwards 
commanded the post — what is his occnpation, and did he 
not, with those remaining with him, succeed in defending 
the post during the whole of that night? 

Can you name any other persons, except yourself and the 
gentleman have referred to^ tvho, after arms were brought 



25 

left the post under your command, on the occasion you have 
referred to? 

Second. You have said (hat you have, since the events 
in question, consulted the Laws of ATaryland, respecting 
the resort to the military, can you give the particular sta- 
tute to which you reft r? 

Third. Did you, on (lie Monday when General Smith 
rallied the citizens for the protection of the city, yourself 
appear under arms, and if you did, why did you then sup- 
pose that you were authorized to use them; and did you 
take the advice of any one, and who, upon tfie subject.'' 

Fourth. Have you any recollection of a conversation be- 
tween yourself and Dr. Bond on the oecasion of your de- 
dining the use of Fire-arms on the Saturday evening when 
Mr. Glenn's house waa destroyed, in relation to the propri- 
ety of using arms in sue!) an exigency, and particularly in 
reference to a possible attack on the Roman Catholic Con- 
vent in Baltimore.'' If you have, state what that conversa- 
tion was.-* 

Fifth. What induced Dr. Bond to refer to a possible at- 
tack on the Baltimore Convent? Was there.about this time, 
or at any time, and when, any reason to suppose that the 
destruction of that institution was contemplated by any por- 
tion of the people of Baltimore.'* 

Sixth. You have, as your answer in chief was originally- 
written, said that the persons who were the objects of the 
popular fury in August last, did not and do not possess the 
sympathies of the people in a degree sufficient for their 
protection? Is it your opinion that they do now sufficiently 
possess tlie sympathies, as you have termed it, of the peo- 
ple of Baltimore, to be safe in their persons or property? 
]f you have no opinion upon the subject, is it because you 
have not recently had an opportunity of ascertaining public 
sentiment? 

Seventii- Will you state the name of the gentleman who 
used the expressions of violence to which you have refer- 
red in your answer to the fifth cross interrogatory? 

Answer to 1st. Cross Interrogatory. 

The j^entleman referred to, was John Nelson, Esq. 
He resigned his command and left the post immediately 
after me, in consequence of taking up arms. 

The command was then taken by Dr. Bond, a physi- 
cian, and, as I am informed, a clergyman of the methodist 
4 



26 

persuasion. I have already stated that a parly with a 
drum approached that point whilst I was sitting on Mal- 
colm's steps, and were fired on. I returned to the post 
immediately; but before I arrived there, the mob were 
dispersed. I passed the party who weie carrying the 
drummer to prison, somewhere near the restaurateur's 
in the rear of iMr. Johnson's house. I have no know- 
ledge of the numbers of the crowd repulsed, nor of any 
other attempt upon the post during that night — I know 
of no other who left the post after arms were brought. 

Answer to 2d Cross Interrogatory. 

The statute to which I refer, I believe to be the same 
under which the militia were subsequently ordered out, 
on the requisition of the mayor — I refer to act 1823, chap. 
1S8, section 70, and to act of 1834, chap. 251. 

Answer to 3d Cross Interrogatory. 

On Monday, at about noon, hearing that Gen. Smith 
had gone out to the park, (of which I knew nothing he- 
lore) I followed him thither, with Frederick Dugan, Esq. 
I heard myself named, at the breaking up of that meeting, 
a committee man for the 10th ward in which I live. Re- 
turning home I learned that information had been re- 
ceived, from various sources, that my dwelling was to be 
attacked; and removed my papers and some light articles 
of value. I then hastened to the place of meeting ap- 
pointed for the ward; and made an unsuccessful effort to 
induce those who had assembled, to accompany me to the 
mayor's office. I then returned home, armed myself, and 
proceeded to the City Hall; where I met a large concourse 
of people. I there found a committee in session, to which 
I was told I belonged. They remained together till 7 
o'clock or later: when they adjourned, I was requested 
by Gen. Miltenberger, then iJ/ayor, to remain with him, 
to assist in the preparation of certain papers. I was also 
employed by Gen. J. S. Smith to carry orders to ene of 
his posts. I knew that the militia had been ordered out 
by requisition on Col. Howard, on Sunday, I knew that 
the sheriff had power to arm a posse; (as I have known 
practised in South Carolina;) I learned at the office, that 
General Smith's division had been called out by requisi- 
tion from the mayor, and, with such a force as was then 
assembled, I would not have hesitated to act without for- 
mal authority, in that emergency, as society seemed re- 
solved into its original elements. I have no recollection 
of having consulted any person upon the question. 



27 

Answer to 4lh Interrogatory. 

I remember Dr. Bond's saying to me at the time, as I 
think, of my resignation. "Mr. Read one woid turns 
this mob on the Convent." I replied "then I die on the 
steps." He rejoined ''what's the use of djing on the 
steps?" Being fuither asked whether lie added "you 
had better die here," I answer, 1 have no recollection of 
those words, though it is very possible he may have used 
them. And in regard to my "conscientious scruples" 
about using arms mentioned by Dr. Bond, it was not my 
intention, in any thing of that kind which I may have 
said to him, to convey the idea that I thought it unjusti- 
fiable to employ them in all cases, but that I could not 
conscientiously use them, in the circumstances then ex- 
isting, as understood by myself at the time when it be- 
came necessary to sanction the arming that post or resign 
the command. 

Answer to 5th. Cross Interrogatory. 

I suppose Dr. Bond's remark was predicated on the 
circumstance, that a fanatical paper, edited in Baltimore, 
had been used for about 18 months, to excite the preju- 
dices of the protestant part of the community, against 
the members of the Catholic Church; and in particular 
that a number published in the Spring preceding (the 
May number I believe) teeming with obscenity and cal- 
umny, had, in a manner, pointed the fury of the popu- 
lace against the convent. This appears to me to be part 
of a system of persecution against the Catholics of this 
country, which commenced immediately after certain at- 
tacks upon their religion, in the Senate of the United 
States; and which speedily eventuated in the conflagra- 
tion of the Convent at Charlestown, Massachusetts. I 
have to state, that the Catholics of Baltimore have met it 
without a single act of irritation, which, by inviting to 
violence, might jeopard the public peace, or deprive 
themselves of a title to the sympathies of their separated 
brethren. I believe they owe their security to the "vis 
inertioe" — the indifference — of a large portion of the com- 
munity; to the good feelings of others who know the 
groundlessness of the charges made against their faith 
and practices; and also to the certainty that their institu- 
tions and churches could not be demolished but after a 
bloody victory. 



28 

Answer to 6lh Cross Interrogatory. 
I state that I do not believe that the individuals seek- 
ing indemnity possess the sympathies of the people of 
Baltimore to an extent adequate to their protection. I 
have not, for many months, been much conversant with 
the people; and have, for the last two months, been a 
great deal confined by sickness. I will give the commit- 
tee, however, my observations on a single day, since the 
application for indemnity was laid before this assembly. 
On going out I met two mechanics — one of them a most 
respectable citizen, the other a man of whom I know lit- 
tle. They accosted me on the subject of the indemnity, 
and hearing me say that I thought it just, aod thatl would 
willingly pay my proportion, to see others punished who 
did not sustain me in arresting the mob, expressed them- 
selves decidedly opposed to it; but without improper 
temper. I subsequently met a merchant — one of the 
elite of our society who argued strenuously in opposi- 
tion to me — but, on reflecting on what he said, I cannot 
now positively recollect whether he opposed indemnity 
absolutely, as i stated orally, or only the taking away the 
auction duties. 

I fell into company with another merchant of very re- 
spectable standing, who, on the subject being started, rated 
me good humouredly os being responsible for the riots, in 
having promoted weak measures. On my stating, in my 
own vmdication, what those measures were, as heretofore 
detailed, I turned the blame on such as he, who, I argued, 
might with ease have whipped the boys, and arrested their 
ring leaders, w'.thout the firing of a gun; and concluded b}'' 
telling him. I should be glad to see his merchandise and my 
land taxed for the general default. He then told me that 
those gentlemen "could no more live in Baltimore, should 
ihe indemnity pass than they could make a world; thai they 
would be torn to pieces as by Tygers." I subsequently 
addressed another man of humbler occupation, who told me, 
from his own observation of the state of men's minds, he 
thought it would be worse for those gentlemen if they ob- 
tained the indemnity. And finally, 1 enquired of a most 
respectable and religious gentleman, a methodist, who, I 
thought might have beard a good deal on ihe subject, and 
he told me, it had not been much spoken of to him, but he 
thought it a very delicate matter to touch, in the present 
state of public feeling. 



29 

Answer to tiie 7th cross inferroga'ory. I doclino na- 
ming the persDn alhuled to, uMio, I am coiivinceil, vvoiiUrhy 
no means aiJ, or abet or prompt another to deeds of vio- 
Icnc,I only infer, from his earnest repugnance to the indem- 
nity, that the persons in question would possess no hold 
upon his sympathy, which ihey could rely on as s ground 
of protection. 

JACOB D. HARE, being sworn, answers — 

To the first interrogatory, I answer, that T am a citizen 
of Baltimore; that my occupation is that of a city com- 
missioner under tiie corporation of Baltimore; that I was 
in Baltimore, during the month of August, 1835, and 
particularly on the 7th, Sth, 9th 10th days of that month. 

To the second interrogatory, 1 answer, that the first 
manifestation of an excited disposition in the people of 
Baltimore, which came under my observation, was on 
Thursday evening the sixth day of August, at which 
time being in Monument Square, I witnessed a gather- 
ing of people, gradually accumulating in that vicinity, 
approaching it by thii various avenues leading to it, in 
squads of two, three, four and more in numbers, until 
the crowd amounted to at least three hundred individu- 
als. The then Mayor of the city, aided by a few of his 
officers, was present, and addressed the oeople — he ex- 
horted them peacpably to disperse, and declared his de- 
terminatibn to tnaintain the laws and to suppress any 
attempt to violate the peace and order of the city. He 
succeeded on this occasion, to disperse the assemblage 
of the peoj)le, about 12 o'clock at night, no further in- 
jury or violence having been done, than tiie breaking of 
one or two of the windows in Mr. Johnson's house by 
the casting of stones from the crowd. 

On Friday evening the 7th day of August I repaired 
again to the Square, where I saw a large concourse of 
people assembled, I suppose at least five thousand in 
number. The Mayor was engaged in ac'dressing them 
from Barnum's stops on the south side of Fayette street; 
he in the most impressive manner exhorted the people to 
disperse and retire as orderly citizens to thf-ir homes; he 
invoked them to respect and support the laws; he avow- 
ed most resolutely his determination to restiain disorder 
even at the peril of his life, and entreated all good citi- 
zens to rally to the aid of the civil authority. Several 



30 

other addresses were delivered, all of which, like that 
of the Mayor, were repeatedly interrupted by the crowd 
and were ineffectual in producing any good result. The 
Mayor having descended from the steps, passed in the 
crowd at the head of a very few followers, among whom 
was myself — He on this occasion, manifested the most 
unbending firmness, and with a resolution, which con- 
tinued undaunted, he pressed through the midst of the 
people, calling upon (hem to disperse, but to no purpose; 
the crowd increasing in excitement and tumult, and 
manifesting such riotous and insubordinate temper, as 
to lead me to believe, that the life of the Mayor was every 
moment endangered. — Mr. Hunt finding his personal 
influence entirely ineffectual, in a loud tone of voice 
called upon all citizens, who were the friends of order 
to separate themselves from the crow*' and form at a de- 
tached place — out of an assemblage of five or six thou- 
sand, some very few followed him. Having placed him- 
self at the head of the few citizens, who formed under 
him at a place detached from the crowd, the mayor re- 
turned to the crowd, with these few citizens, among 
whom I was numbered, and in a very little while this 
body became dispersed in the density of the crowd. Mr. 
John Kettlewell, and myself however, adhered to him.. 
The mayor incessantly invoked the people to disperse, 
demanding, pressing and forcing his way through the 
crowd which by this time, had acquired a large acces- 
sion in numbers, and had formed into a compact body — he 
was met by the most insubordinate and rebellious lang- 
uage from the mob, and assailed with uninterrupted 
threats and denunciations of defiance, the argument of 
the mob, being that they would not retire, as the street 
was a public highway, and they had as much light ther.e 
as the mayor. One of the most eifectual means resorted 
to by the disaffected to stimulate the mob, was the form- 
ing of large circles or groups, in which they wouid get 
up sham tights, accompanied with hideous yelling and 
shouts — from one of these groups a stone was thrown at 
Mr. Johnson's house, which having been observed by the 
mayor, he immediately at the most imminent peril of his 
life, and without a moment's consultation with any one, 
rushed into the very midst of the crowd, seized the of- 
fender, who was a stout athletic man, by the neck^ 
maintained his bold, although desperately resisted by 



31 

the means himself, aided and ai?sisted by the mob. — The 
crowd completely enveloped the mayor and myself, who 
both maintained our hold ot the offender, calling; upon the 
friends of order for assistance, until the mob wore upon 
our backs, and we with great difficulty escaped boing 
trodden to death under their feet — the offender was of 
course rescued by them — Some very tew officers and 
watchmen came to our call, but too late to ^afford us any 
assistance, the balance of them being employed at other 
points of defence. Mr. Hunt continued his unremitted, 
and indefiitigable efforts, to restrain the spirit of disorder 
until the mob had dispersed, which I believe was be- 
tween the hours of one and two on Saturday morning, 
when peace and order seemed to be restored. I left Mr. 
Hunt at four o'clock, on Saturday morning, surrounded 
by his officers, in the Square near Mr. Johnson's house 
where he had continued I believe from the time the mob 
had dispersed. 

The number of persons who composed the mob, and 
were actively engaged in disorderly conduct, was from 
three to foui hundred, but two thirds of the crowd which 
consisted of from five to six thousand seemed by their lan- 
guage and demeanor, to encourage and approve the mob, 
and it was owing to this fact, that the great difficulty of 
sappressing the mob, originated, in my opinion. On Satur- 
day evening I was at the square again, about 8 o'clock — 
a dense crowd occupied the various avenues leading to it, 
particularly at the corner of Calvert and Market streets, 
at which place several ineffectual efforts were made by 
the mob to break through the line of defence, which had 
been there formed by the mayor, to prevent their nearer 
approach to the square and the threatened destruction of 
the property of Mr. Johnson, in which he was happily 
successful on that night. In consequence of a wound 
which I had received on the previous evening, in aid of 
the mayor, and the positive injunction of a physician to 
avoid excitement, I took no active part in aiding the civil 
authorities on that night. The mob, however, being suc- 
ressfully restrained from obtaining access to the square at 
Calvert street, yelled out with great unanimity, "to 
Glenn's, to Glenn's," and proceeded up Market street 
to Charles street — a short time afterwards 1 repaired to 
Charles street, where I witnessed the mob busily en- 
gaged in the work ot destruction at Mr. Glenn's house. 



32 

1 returned to the square, and made enquiry of the guard 
stationed there, whether any force could be spared from 
that quarter to save JNJr. Glenn's property, to which en- 
quiry I received for answer, "that if any men were taken 
from that position of defence, Mr. Johnson's property 
would be unprotected." I returned again to Mr. Glenn's 
house, and whilst there, I witnessed two or tree charges 
made upon the mob by a troop of horse, accompanied vvith 
some firing. The mob, nothing daunted, but in fact in- 
creasing in violence, continued the work of destruction. 
I returned from this scene to my dwelling near day light 
Sunday morning. On Sunday night the 9th inst. in the 
midst of a vast assemblage of people in the square, I wit- 
nessed the destruction of the property of JNIr. Johnson, 
and at the moment of the falling of the portico, the mob 
received the general applause and encouragement of the 
assembled multitude, which continued by loud clapping 
at intervals during the demolition of his house, and the 
burning of his furniture. I left the square whilst this 
scene was acting, proceeded down to South street, and 
there for the first time discovered that the mob was en- 
gaged in the destruction of the property of l\lr. Morris. 
The work of destruction being finished here, the air re- 
sounded with mingled cries from the mob, "to GilTs, to 
McEldcrry's, to Hunt's," I followed a body of them to 
the corner of Gay and Market streets, at which place a 
consultation took place among tliem, whether they should 
disperse or go to Mr. Hunt's, and they finally concluded 
to disperse by a decision of the majority that Mr. Hunt 
was not blameable for the acts of the Bank — at this junc- 
ture that body dispersed, it being about 3 o'clock on Mon- 
day morning, and 1 returned to ir.y dwelling, which 
closes my observation of the proceedings of the mob. 

To the third interrogatory, I answer, that it was my 
opinion, and the opinion of all with whom I had inter- 
course, that there was a tumult brewing, whether the 
city authorities or police of th^ city, entertained the same 
opinions,! have no knowledge. 

To the 4th interrogatory, I answer, that the measures 
adopted by the civil authorities to prevent or suppress 
the mob, were as far as I am informed, pacific. 

To the 5th interrogatory, I answer, that the only means 
other than those resorted to, which the civil authorities 
might have availed themselves of, to suppress the mob, 



33 

was that of an armed force, how far these means might 
have been obtained, and if obtained, how far it would 
have been successful, may be judged of by the general 
apathy wliich pervaded the whole community and the ap- 
parent willingness, with which almost two thirds of the 
population witnessed the outrages that were committed. 
To the 0th interrogatory, I answer, that it was rumor- 
ed that the mob designed to ''estroy the property of citi- 
zens who had been active in their efforts to suppress their 
violence. The mob was quelled in my opinion, by a re- 
action of public opinion, growing out of the destruction 
of the property of Mr. Hunt, when the public became 
alarmed at the train of plunder and pillage which would 
follow, in the event of further passiveness, that under 
the comnsand of Gen. Samuel Smith, they rallied, and 
suppressed all further disorder. The same means would, 
at any time, have produced the same result. 

Cross interrogatory to Mr. Hare. 

Was any resistance of any kind offered by the city au- 
thorities or the citizens to the destruction of Mr. Johnson 
or Mr. Morris' house on Sunday; and can you form any es- 
timate of the number of persons present in the Square 
when the scene of destruction was going on at Mr. John- 
son's house? 

Answer. There was no resistance of any kind offered as 
far as the knowledge of this deponent extends; this depo- 
nent supposes that the number of persons present was 
from five to six thousand. 

GEORGE W. ANDREWS, being sworn, answers: 

To que=tion 1st. I am a citizen of Baltimore; I am en- 
gaged in the Drugg Business, I was in the city of Baltimore 
during the montliof August, 1S35 — and particularly on the 
Sth, 9th and lOth days of that month. 

To qupslion 2nd. On the 6th, 7lh and Sth of August, I 
was confined to my bed and house by sickness. On Sunday 
-evening the 9(h, about 8 o'clock, I weni as far as the First 
Presbyterian Cliurch, in Fayette street, which is about four 
hundred yards from Mr. Johnson's house, I was not able to 
get nearer, the crowd was so great. I am unable to say 
how many were actually engaged in the work of destruc- 
tion — the number in the Square and streets leading to it, 
and who appeared to countenance and encourage the mob, 
5 



84 

were several thousand. I only remained about five minuteg, 
for being still weak and unwell, and fearing a rush in the 
crowd, I returned home. 

Answers. I believe it was generally known and appre- 
hended by the citizens, from several anonymous letters and 
placards, and also from general rumour, that some outrage 
was intended 

Answer 4. I am not able to give any information on that 
subject, being as I have said, at home sick. 

Answer 5. Not able to answer, as I saw none of the pro- 
ceedings of the civil or military authorities, nor do I know 
what steps they took, except from hear-say. 

Answer 6. I believe it was generally understood that the 
mob intended to destroy other property. There was an 
appeal to arms made by General Smith on Monday morn- 
ing, and responded to by the citizens in the afternoon, but 
no mob made their appearance. If the same means had 
been resorted to at first, I should suppose the mob might 
have been quelled. 

JOHN H. MARRIOTT, being sworn, answers: 

Answer the fiist. I am a citizen of Baltimore, engaged 
in the Shoe business, was in the city of Baltimore during 
the month of August, 1835. 

Answer the second. On Friday evening August the 7th 
I was at Monument Square about twenty minutes, there 
was a large concourse present, from what I saw the short 
time I remained, they appeared determined on mischief. 
I saw the Mayor, General Miltenberger, C. O'Donnell, and 
others, and many of the civil authority actively engaged in 
endeavouring to suppress the mob. 

Answer the third. It was generally supposed there 
would be a mob. 

Answer the fourth. I understood that a meeting of citi- 
zens held at the Mayor's Office, had determined to call up- 
on the citizens generally to aid the civil authority, this call 
was but partially responded to, each man to be furnished 
with a baton or large club 

Answer the fifth. Without the aid of the military it was 
not in the power of the civil authority to quell the mob, 
this I think could not be obtained. I requested a number 
of young men (members of volunteer companies) whom I 
knew to be fond of parading, to assist the civil authority, 
observing to them that on other occasions I knew them to 



35 

be prompt in turning out, the reply was, we want a militia 
lavT, we will let them see the necessity of one. 

Answer the sixth. I believe it was the intention to have 
destroyed the property of others, turning out and parading 
the fire companies through the streets, had a very great ef^ 
feet in suppressing the mob, and the citizens becoming dis- 
gusted with the proceedings of Sunday night, many of them 
determined to rally around the city authority. 

Cross interrogatory by Mr. JOHNSON. 

Were you present at the house of R. W. Gill, Esq. on 
the Monday after the mob, and did you use ^jny and what 
means to save his property, and with what success, from 
destruction by the mob.'' 

Answer. I informed some of the persons who seemed to 
lead the mob that the house in which Mr. Gill resided, did 
not belong to him, but to a gentleman who lives in Harford 
county. They asked me if this gentleman was not in town 
on Saturday night with the horsemen. I answered no. 
They then appeared to give up all desire to destroy the 
property. 

NICHOLAS BRICE, being sworn, answers: 

Before I answer (he several questions in the order they 
are proposed, i beg leave to submit a succinct narrative 
of what I consider the material facts within my know- 
ledge relating to the subject now under enquiry before 
this Honorable Committee. 

It was not until towards the close of the month of Ju- 
ly last, that I began to entertain serious apprehensions 
that a riot would grow out of the disputes relating to 
the affairs of the Bank of Maryland; and that the popu- 
lace were prepared to carry into effect the denunciations 
of personal violence against Mr. Johnson and others on 
the first opportunity that offered, if suitable measures 
were not speedily adopted to check the spirit of insub- 
ordination to the laws which seemed to pervade the com- 
munity. 

Having got possession of a placard, which 1 consider- 
ed of more than ordinary^malignity, I thought it advisa- 
ble to enclose it to the Mayor, and a t the same time to 
suggest the necessity of being on his guard, lest the ap- 
prehended calamity shonld reach us before we were 
prepared for it; and received from him a note in reply, 



86 

under date the 30th July, in which he assured me that 
he had already deemed it prudent to be on the alert^ by 
which I understood he was prepared for any such event, 
altho'he did not expect its occurrence. Which note (A.) 
I request may be considered as an exhibit. 

Not havingagain heard from the Mayor on the subject, 
and my fears of a riot rather increasing than abating, 
I took the liberty on Wednesday preceding its actual oc- 
currence, to Gallon him at his office, to repeat my anxiety 
on the subject, and to urge on him (in addition to such other 
means of preservation as he had already adopted) the pro- 
priety of immediately issuing his proclamation, oft'erring a 
large reward for the discovery of the authors and distribu- 
tors of the incendiary publications that had already done 
much mischief, and were likely to do more. He expressed 
himself satisiied with the propriety of the measure recoar 
mended, but said, before he could carry it into execution, 
it would be proper for him to consult other friends, who he 
had reason to believe, would approve of it also. — If this 
proclamation was made, I had not the good fortune to see 
it, or hear of it — nor did the Mayor ever explain to me the 
reason which influenced him to alter the favorable opinion 
he had expeessed to me on the subject. 

Not having any reason to apprehend an immediate dis- 
turbance of the peace, on the Friday following I put my- 
self on board the steam boat Jl/aryland, for the purpose of 
visiting my son's farm, near Annapolis, (from which he had 
been absent for some time, on a tour in the western country) 
to see how it had been conducted in his absence. It was 
on board the steam boat I became first informed of the 
meeting that had taken place in the Square, the night before 
when demonstrations were made of a design to injure Mr. 
Johnson's house. On receiving this intelligence, I felt no 
little mortification in being absent, and decided upon return* 
ing the following day. On my arrival I proceeded imme- 
diately to the mayor's ofi&ce, where I learned with dismay, 
that the energetic plans, which I n'as lead to believe had 
been adopted by the mayor, were laid aside, and others of 
a different character, substituted for them, which I thought 
were rather calculated to irritate, if not encourage the 
rioters, than induce them to relax their violence. 

After paying my respects to the mayor and learning the 
hour when it was j^expected Ihat operations would com- 
mence, 1 left him, and agreed with Judge Nesbit, that we 



87 

woultl be on the s;round in time to renclsr an)' assistance that 
might be in oar power, for the restoration of peace On 
our arrival, fearing lest the force proceeded by the mayor 
might prove insufficient for the occasion, and seeing many 
persons standing by, who we thought might be induced to 
take pait in the defence if it was made their duty to do so, 
we determined on issuing orders to the sheriff, our proper 
officer, to summon a posse comitatus, which he promptly 
obeyed. — (Exhibit No. 1 ) 

The mob had not then all assembled, but did so very soon 
afterwards, and occupied all the avenues leading to the 
Square, and it was not long before the operative rioters gave 
proof of their presence also. It soon became apparent 
that the peaceful plan of defence which had been adopted 
would prove a failure, and that the rioters, who were not 
restricted in the use of means of annoyance, would 
get possession of the Square if not opposed by an ade- 
quate means of resistance — the persons engaged in de- 
fence (some of whom had already been severely wounded 
by brickbats and other missiles thrown by the rioters) be- 
came extremely dissatisfied, and declared their determina- 
tion to retire from their stations unless the mayor would 
put arms into their hands, with liberty to use them. I waa 
setting by, when many appeals of this kind were made to 
him — he at first appeared to be undecided, but at last yield- 
ed his conaeni; and as it was proper that the use of arms 
should be sanctioned by written orders, I proffered my ser- 
vices, and issued those contained in exhibit No 2; and their 
prompt execution, soon turned the scale in favor of the 
friends of order, the niob were dispersed and Mr. Johnson's 
property protected for that night — before we left the Square 
Judge Nesbit agreed with me m the propriety of calling 
out the militia for service on Sunday, and we issued orders 
for that purpose to Col. Benjamin C. Howard, which I have 
since learnt were delivered to him by Captain Willey. A 
copy of this order is contained in exhibit No. 3. 

The rioters having been subdued and dispersed, and pro- 
vision made for the ensuing day, I went home to see my 
family, and got a hw hours rest. 

On Sunday morning immediately after breakfast, 
Judge Nesbit and myself were called to the Jail to take 
bail for the prisoners captured the night before — in num- 
ber about fifty or sixty, and remained there till between 
11 and IS o'clock. As soon as I left the jail I proceeded 



38 

to the mayor's residence to learn what preparations were 
making by hitn for the coming night. I found hia house 
in great cofifusion. I spoke to him, but before I had 
time to make known the object of my call — he left the 
room, and notwithstanding I applied to his friend Mr. 
Miltenberger, who was there, for the information I wan- 
ted, his reply was as well as I remember that nothing 
more could be done, that the militia would not turn out. 
Learning that Mr. Hunt was about getting into a car- 
riage to leave town, I hurried out to see him; but just 
as I got to the door the carriage had started, and I saw 
no more of him. 

On my return home I found many persons waiting for 
me, some to give bail for their friends in jail, and others 
on other matters connected with the riots — and my time 
and attention became wholly occupied, — during the 
morning, that is to say, as well as I remember about one 
or two o'clock, I received a visit from Mr. Miltenberger, 
before mentioned, who was accompanied by two other 
persons. The object of his visit, as he stated, was to 
prevail on me to come into town, (my residence being 
in the suberbs, near the Monument,) and endeavour to 
preserve order and restore tranquility. 

I expressed my surprise at such a request, asked him 
by what authority he came and whether the mayor had 
abandoned his station, saying, "if he had, I would cer- 
tainly take his place at all hazards, but that I would not 
usurp his authority — he declined giving me his pledge 
to that effect, and I dismissed the subject. Very soon 
after he (I mean Mr. Miltenberger) had left me, Wm. 
Gwynn, Esq. with a friend, stepped in, and asked me if 
I knew what was going on down town, replying in the 
negative, he told me that he had received information that 
the mayor was about issuing or had issued a proclama- 
tion denying his participation in the order for using fire- 
arms,which of course would expose me as well as others 
to the fury of the mob. I immediately sat down and wrote 
to the mayor, begging him not to issue the proclamation, 
that it was surrendering the city to the rioters, or using 
gome expression of equal import and gave it to Mr. 
Gwynn, with a request he would deliver it. 

[See Mr. Gwynn's letter hereunto, exhibit B.] 

When he departed, I sent one of my nephews to get 
one of the proclamations if issued, and he soon returned 
with one, which I now exhibit marked C. 



39 

When I read the procIamatioEt befoie mentioned, I be- 
came satisfied that the rioters had nothing further to fear. 
What steps had been taken by Col. Howard to embody 
the militia as I directed him I was not informed until 
Monday when I read the letter now shown. fiVo. 5 | 

In the afternoon of Sunday a very lareje body of the 
rioters were assembled on the hill opposite the jail, ex- 
pressing their determination to rescue the remaining un- 
bailed prisoners — the Warden got alarmed and wrote to 
me for orders to release them My only reply was, 'not 
without bail." — [See his letter D. j I thought it proper 
that night to disperse my family amongst their friends, 
and as I knew that I had been prominent in consequence 
of Mr. Hunt's proclamation, did not think it prudent to 
run unnecessary risks by remaining at home. That 
night Mr. Johnson's, Mr. Morris's, Mr. Eliicott's houses 
were completely sacked and the furniture destroyed. On 
Monday morning when I returned home ,my servant 
informed me that the rioters had been there bwt postponed 
their depredations till night. This being confirmed by 
several neighbors, induced me to remove my furniture 
into the country, as my neighbors were all afraid to re- 
ceive it. On that day, apprehending further violence 
from the rioters, [ wrote an order to Gen. Smith who 
lives in the county to turn out the militia under his com- 
mand. — [See exhibit No. 4.] 

I also addressed a letter to the Governor of the State, 
and forthwith by expess under cover to Mr. Johnson, 
then in Annapolis, to be forwarded, and I think another 
to the Secretary of War, but of this 1 am not quite cer- 
tain — though inclined to that belief from the following 
letter from Mr, A. Randall, dated, Washington llth Au- 
gust. These are all the means taken for the auppression 
of the riots that I now recollect. 

1st. Question, I am a citizen of Baltimore, and Chief 
Judge of Baltimore City Court. I was in the city of Bal 
timore during the entire month of August, (except the 
cept the two days mentioned in my general statement) 
and particularly on the 8th, 9th and lOth days of that 
month. 

2d. As I had not attended any of the public meetings 
which occurred before the 8th of August, and indeed, 
(owing to my remote residence from the centre of the 
town) did not often hear of them till after they had taken 



40 

place, and as on the 8th I remained in the square until 
the rioters vvtre dispersed, I had no opportunity of form- 
ing; any satisfactory opinion as to the numbers composing 
the mob or rioters, nor of their proceedings, but from the 
report of the wounded men and others, requiring from 
the mayor, arms to defend themselves. 

3d. I do not know whether the mayor (who was, from 
his station, the acknowledged commander in chief and 
particularly charg^^d with the preservation of the peace, 
of the city during the night) was or was not aware of 
such combination or confederacy, but he certainly did 
know, as almost every one else did, ihat a number of in- 
flammatory placards had been distributed through the 
city, for the purpose of exciting the people to acts of vio- 
lence, and that a riot was likely to take place, when their 
leaders should think the time for action had arrived — that 
the mayor did expect a riot, I also inferred from a per- 
sonal interview with him, in which he expressly gave 
me to understand, that he v^ould be prepared for it, when- 
soever it should occur. 

4th. As I was never at any time consulted by the 
mayor on the subject of what measures were most advisa- 
ble to be taken on such an occasion. I can only answer 
from hearsay as to his plans but what was done under 
his orders or by his consent in the defence of the city, I 
have already detailed and must on this part of the ques- 
tion take leave to refer to my former statement and to the 
written and printed documents referred to therein. 

5th. I may be mistaken, but I never had a doubt, that 
if the mayor had ifsued his proclamation as I advised 
him, on the previous Wednesday, offering a large re- 
ward for the discovery of the authors of the inflammato- 
ry publications,and armed his own police ofiicers (amount- 
ing as I have been credibly informed, to 123eff'ectual men) 
they would have been joined by volunteers amply suffi- 
cient to have prevent«'d the riots altogether, and that 
without shedding of blood. 

Gth. It was currently reported after the mayoi's Sun- 
day proclamation denying his having given the orders 
to use fire-arms on the preceding night, that a number 
of persons, myself amongst others, were proscribed; and 
but for the timely check that was given to that spirit of vi- 
olence, on Monday afternoon, I would have been exposed 
to the fury of the rioters. 



4t 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 
First. Did I not call upon you at your lodgings in An- 
napolis on the Saturday of the mob, and complain of the 
situation in which my property and that of others, 
supposed to be obnoxious to the populace, was left 
by ihe authorities, and te!l you that happen what might, I 
would re; urn (o the town at any sacrifice of property, or 
even life, and did you not then assure me that you had 
at that time prepared a requisition on tha military, and 
that you would, as soon as you reached Baltimore, on the 
evening of that day, in the steam boat; lose no time in 
putting it in execution.'' If so — Why did it happen that 
such requisition was not made on that evening.'' 

Second. Why was it that you ordered the use of arms 
on Saturday, and at what hour was it so ordered.'' Was 
it not because you saw that without them, the mob 
could not be suppressed, and the property and safety of 
the memorialists preserved; and was not that the general 
opinion of the friends of order at that time, as far as you 
can recollect.'^ 

Third. At what time was it on Sunday morning, that 
you called at Mr. Hunt's house, as you have stated you 
did in your answer in chief.'' When you met General Mil- 
tenberger, who else was present.'' Did the mayor leave 
the town on Sunday and abandon his post as that officer.'' At 
what hour of the day was it on Sunday that you wrote the 
note to the mayor requesting him not to publish his procla- 
mation of that day.'' 

Fourth. To whom did you send enclosed your letter to 
the Governor and Secretary of War, asking for the assis- 
tance of the United States.^ Was it not to R. Johnson.^ 
Have you understood in what manner and by what means 
he assisted in obtaining the assistance of the troops of the 
United States.^ 

1st. To the first part of this interrogatory, relating to 
the conversation between Mr. Johnson and myself, I an- 
swer affirmatively. 

The reason why my orders for turning out the militia, 
were not issued immediately on my arrival, was simply this 
— the steam- boat was late in getting up — on my arrival at 
the mayor's office, I found that he had decided on a plan 
of defence from which the use of arms was excluded; and 1 
did not think it either expedient or proper, for me to adopt 
6 



42 

one of a cllffercnt character, until that of the mayor had 
been first tried — but assoon ho'vever, as a resort to arms 
was authorized, as before slated, 1 immediately delivered 
my orders referred to, (only altering: the date to the 8th of 
August,) to a messenger, to be put into the hands of Col. 
Howard, and lliey were, I understand, delivered to him a- 
bout 2 o'clock Sunday morning, which was as soon as they 
could well be delivered. 

2nd. I have no rceollection of hours, my attention being 
solely occupied by the passing events. It was very soon 
discovered that tlie mayor's plan would fail, and the orders 
for resort to arm!> were given because without them, the ri- 
ot could not be suppressed and the property protected; this 
seemed, as far as I could judge, not only my opinion, but of 
all others about the person of the mayor, or with whom l 
conversed on the subject. 1 would have issued them even if 
the mayor had not consented. 

3d. It was between 11 and 12 o'clock, as well as I could 
judge, as St. Paul's Church was in when I passed, and had 
not been dismissed when I returned home. 

I do not recollect to have seen at the mayor's, any 
other person ttian General Miltenberger and some members 
of Mr. Hunt's family; all I knovrin relation to the mayor 
on that occasion, is, that he left me very uncerimoniously, 
but where he went, and whether he had then made up his 
mind to abandon his post, 1 was not informed, I then under- 
stood that he was going into the country. 



13 



Mayor's Office, 

Baltimore, July 30, 18S5. 

Dear Sir — T have seen one of the circulars mentioned 
in your note, and have heard of several others being in 
circulation. I do not think that they can be productive 
of any evil consequences, but I have of course deemed 
it prudent to be on the alert, and if any thing transpires 
worthy of notice, will not fail immediately to see you. 
Yours, truly, 

JESSE HUNT. 

Hon. Judge Brice. 

B. 

August 21, 1835. 

Dear Sir — I well recollect that on Sunday, the 9th in- 
stant, I called at your house and informed you that I 
had seen the manuscript copy of a hand bill which was 
signed by Mr. Hunt as Mayor of the City, and was to 
be printed for circulation that day, and that it contained 
a declaration "that the use of deadly weapons the prece- 
ding night was against his judgment and advice.*' I also 
heard you read, and read myself, a note which you wrote 
to the Mayor in my presence, in which you stated in 
substance "that you Avere informed he intended to issue 
a hand bill that day, the contents of which, as described 
to you, would produce a most injurious effect, and earn- 
estly requested him not to issue it." I am unable to 
give the words used by you. The note you handed to 
me, and requested that I would have delivered to the 
Mayor; I sent it to Mr. Hunt's dwelling house by a ser- 
vant, who, on his return, informed me that Mr. Hunt was 
hot at home, but there being persons in the house, he 
had left the note with them. 

1 am, respectfully, yours, 

\VM. GWYNN. 

Hon. N. Brice. 



44 

c. 

Mayor's Office, 

Baltimore, Aug. 9, 1835. 

Once more I appeal to my fellow citizens to stay the 
progress of violence, and prevent a repetition of the la- 
mentable events of the last night. Called by your free 
suffrages to the Mayoralty of your City, and charged by 
you with the preservation of its order, I have, through- 
out my whole official career, and up to the present mo- 
ment, laboured unceasingly to promote that object by the 
force of reason and the unarmed hand of law. I have 
deeply deplored the disregard with which my earnest 
appeals have been met, and the resort to deadly weapons 
which, against my jiidginent and advice, has unfortunately 
been taken. It remains for the prudent, the pacific, the 
lovers of good order, those who would not expose the 
property of the city to pillage, to arouse before it is too 
late, and restore to us our recent boasted tranquility, 
and its accompanying hippiness and prosperity. And in 
furtherance of this most desirable end, I earnestly en- 
treat the orderly and well disposed, except such as may 
be engaged in aiding the civil authority, to remain at 
home, and prevent the younger members of their fami- 
lies from resorting to tumultuary assemblages 

JESSE HUNT, Mayor. 

D. 

Baltimore, September SO, 1S35. 

Sir — 1 have delayed answering yours of the 2Sth inst. 
in hopes of being able to lay my hand on my note to you 
of the 9th August, (a copy of which you request,) but 
have not been able to do so. It was written in the midst 
of the confusion and bustle of that day with a pencil, and 
when returned with your reply, was thrown aside, and 
is most probably destroyeJ; but I distinctly recollect the 
substance, if not the exnct words, as well as the circum- 
stances under which it was written. 

It was on the the ever to be remembered Sunday, when 
the whole city was to all appearance in the hands of a 
ruthless mob, when every effort to procure assistance to 
defend the jail and prisoners had failed, and when those 
charged with felony were in a state of mutiny; the mob 



45 

collecting in large numbers in the neighborhood of the 
prison, threatening to make an attack, with cannon at 
their command, and all the attention of myself and depu 
tics required to control those committed to our care; the 
most of the fifty six charged with being concerned in the 
mob, had been admitted to bail through the course of the 
day, leaving eighteen or twenty still in custody; under 
this state of things I thought it would be prudent to dis- 
cbarge those eighteen or twenty, and thereby be enabled 
to retain the criminals, many of whom are old convicts: 
under this impression I wrote the note you allude to, 
which was nearly as follows: 

"Judge Brice — As 1 have been unable to procure any- 
adequate force for the protection of the jail, and the 'jri- 
soners are in a state of mutiny, requiring all my force to 
keep the control of the prison, the moj gathering in large 
numbers near the prison, with cannon at their command, 
would it not, as a matter of policy, be best to release the 
eighteen or twenty charged with riot, and enable me to 
detain those charged with felony. 

D. VV. HUDSON, fFarden. 

To which you made the very laconic reply at the bot- 
tom, of "not without bail." 

Signed N. B." 

Immediately on the reception of yours I determine^ 
at once to defend the jail as long as practicable, and made 
preparation to carry my determination into effect. The 
arms were re-examined, charged, &c.; my deputies, four 
in number', were all at their posts, and all determined to 
do what could be done under such circumstances to main- 
tain the authority over the prisoners, and for the defence 
of the place. The ringleaders of the rebellious felons 
were secured and ironed, and placed where their noise 
would not reach the ears of the mob outside, &c,; while 
waiting the expected attack an order came from the sher- 
iff for their release. 

This measure I thought at the time was a wise one, 
and 1 still believe it was the most politic one that could 
liave been pursued under the then existing circum- 
stances. 

Very respectfully, 

D. W. HUDSON. 

Hon. N. Brice, C. J. 

Baltimore city court. 



46 

No. I. 

August 3, 1835. 

To the Slieriff of Baltimore county: 

A riotous and disorderly mob having for several 
nights assembled in ^Fashington Square, threateniug vio- 
lence to the persons and property of certain citizens, and 
there is every reason to apprehend further disturbance of 
the peace from them: these are to require you to summori 
a posse commetatus to aid you and the civil authority to 
preserve the peace, and if necessary arrest those who 
may have any agency in its violation. 

Given under our hands and seals on the date above. 
N. BRICE Chief Judge, [seal ] 
A. NESBIT, Associate Judge, [seal.] 

No. 2. 
Baltimore 8th August, 1835. 

To the Sheriff of Baltimore county: 

It appears from the violence manifested by the mob, 
ihat it is absolutely necessary to arm the fiiends of peace 
and POod order, you are therefore authorized to obtain them 
where you can, and use them if necessary to repel force by 
force this shall be your authority. 

Given under my hand and seal. 

N. BRICE, Chief Judge, [seal.] 

No 3. 

To Bri^'^adier General George H. Steuart, 

or Colont'l Bf-njamin C. Howard: 
The undersigned having sufficient reason to believe from 
their having seen several inflanimntory placards which had 
been altat-hed to the walls of houses, inviting a rising of 
the people for the purpose of taninff and feathering certain 
of our citizens, and from the assembling of a mob and throw* 
ing stones and other acts of rioting, that 'he peace and quiet 
of the Mate within the city is in danger of being disturbed 
by a number of evil disposed peisons, and believing that in 
such an event the civil aulhoiity will be insufficient without 
aid to quell the mob and restore order: these are there- 
fore to require you, without delay, to order out the mi- 
litia under your command, ot such portion of them a3 
YOU may think sufEeient for the occasion, to aid and assist 
ihe civil authority in preserving the peace of the State 



41 

-within the said city, for which this shall be your autho- 
rity. Given under our hands and seals the day and year 
above written. 

A portion cf cavalry is recommended to be called out. 
N. RRICE, Chief Judge, [seal.] 
ALEX NESBIT, 
Asp. Judgij Bait, county court, [seal.] 

Thi«5 had been prepared several days before, and di- 
rected to General Steuart, but issued on the Sth August 
late in the night, and in consi quence ot the GeneraTs ab- 
sence from town. Col. Huwnid's name was inserted as 
above, with the following j)o.stscript: 

P. S — General Steuart being absent, Colonel Howard 
will please call out tiie military at as early an hour to- 
morrow as possible. 

On the lOib of August, 1835, in consequence of a let- 
ter received from Col. Howard in reply to the above or- 
der, the following was issued: 

No. 4. 

Baltimore, 10th August, 1836. 

To Major General John S. Smith: 

A lawless mob are now in the act of destroying the 
property of our fellow citizens, and threaten violence to 
the persons of others, the civil authority not being ade- 
quate to the preservation of the peace: these are there- 
fore to require you to call out the militia under your 
command instanter, to aid the civil authority. Witness 
my hand and seal the day and year aforesaid. 

N. BRICE, Chief Judge, [seal.] 

Washington, Aug. 11, 1835, 

10 o'clock A. M. 

To Judge Brice — The object of this letter is to inform 
you that on the requisition of the Governor of Maryland 
the companies of the United Slates troops stationed at Forts 
Severn, McHenry and Washington, have been ordered to 
repair to Baltimore and there aid the civil authorities in 
quieting the riots existing in that city. 

The President of the United Stales has been informed of 
these proceedings, and no doubt will order the companies 
at Fortress Munroe to proceed to Baltimore if necessary. 

A RANDALL. 



48 

No. 5. 

Monday morning, Aug. 10, 1835. 

Sir — Having received a requisition from you about 2 
o'clock A. M. yesterday, directed to General Steuart or 
myself, and calling for the military force of the light bri- 
gade; in the absence of General Steuart I issued an 
order for the brigade to assemble at 8 o'clock in the 
morning, and bad the notices promptly served, but nei- 
ther at that hour or any other during the day could a 
turn out be obtained. If any measures are to be takf n 
to arm such citizens as may choose to take arms until the 
restoration of the public peace, they must flow from the 
highest military authority in the city, viz the major gen- 
eral, from whom all orders ought to issue, and to whom 
all reports should be made, and whose existence and 
functions you seem to have forgotten when you issued 
the requisition to an inferior authority. 
I am, respectfully. 

Your obedient, 

BENJ. C. HOWARD, 

Col. 5th Regiment. 

Hon. Judge Brice. 



49 

JAMES BLAIR being sworn, answers: 

1st. I am a citizen of Baltimore; a Justice of the Peace 
for the city of 13altimore, and was in the city during the 
month of August lS35,and particularly on the 8th, 9th and 
10th days of that montli. 

2d. I answer I was an observer of the progress and pro- 
ceedings of those persons most conspicuous in creating the 
excitement, and exaggerating by proclamation the causes 
which led to the then unhapp}'- state of society. I was a- 
ware for several days previous to the 7th and 8th of Au- 
gust from several placards whicli were circulated among that 
part of the community most likely to be excited, and the 
general feeling pervading the community at that time, that 
a most inflammatory state of feeling was to be apprehended. 
Although the naeetings on the 5th, Gth and 7lh of August 
at the different places which rumour assij;ned for the mob, 
were not of that character to justify the appr'^.hension of 
the result, being principally composed of boys, and indivi- 
duals who would not have encountered danger; their con- 
duct appeared rather to feel the public authority, than com- 
mit the outrages that f^^llowed; »hus strengthening the con- 
fidence of Mr* Hunt that his personal popularity and offi- 
cial station would be adequate to restore peace and tran- 
quillity to the community; but that this was a delusion he 
was convinced on Friday night, by the large number of 
persons who appeared at Jionument Square in front of Mr. 
Johnson's house, whose unexampled excitement proved be- 
yond all doubt that they were resolved on the destruction 
of the property of those individuals who had become ob- 
noxious to them in the recent transactions of the Bank of 
71/aryland. Of the number assembled on Friday night, I 
would estimate tliose actively and openly engaged at not 
more than from 40 to 50, principally boj's; of those pas- 
sively engaged, urging on the rioters, but who would not 
have encountered formidable resistance, at not less than 500; 
and of those composing individuals drawn there from curi- 
osity, not less than 4,0U0. In the midst of this excitement 
and confusion, Mv. Hunt (then mayor) advanced to ha- 
rangue and persuade the rioters, (thus so numerous and dis- 
orderly,) proclaimed the supremacy of the law, and calling 
on all persons orderly disposed to step forward and aid him 
ill sustaining the civil authority; but in vain — he was de- 
nounced as one of the party who had participated in the 
causes which produced the present excitement. Mr. Hunt 
at this moment ascended the steps from which he had con- 
7 



50 

jured them to desist and retire to their homes, and with the 
moral courage that would have distinguished the bravest a- 
mong the hrave, regardless of life or personal danger, min- 
gled with the rioters, and wilh his ccnie, the only weapon 
of defence, (except a few friends) he continued to exert 
himself until danger of attack from the mob was no longer 
apprehended. On Saturday night, a number of persons 
collected in Market street at its intersection with Calvert, 
advancing to the general attack, as by concert previously 
understood, was repulsed by citizens and a bold and daring 
police stationed there by previous arrangements made at 
the mayor's office during the day. The further proceed- 
ings of Saturday night — the destruction of Messrs. John- 
son and Glenn's property, shew conclusively the fatal error 
the civil authority had fallen into in its means of defence 
against the works of destruction intended by the mob, and 
which could not be misunderstood. 

Sd. It was generally known that an unusual excitement 
prevailed some time previous to the 6th — am not aware of 
the civil authority being acquainted with any combination 
formed previous to the riots of the 7th, but it was general- 
ly understood throughout the city that a combination was 
forming to break the peace and destroy the property of 
those citizens who had become the objects of their ven- 
geance. 

4th. I know of no measure adopted by the civil autho- 
rity previous to Friday the 7th, on which day the mayor 
called the citizens together by proclamation, at the Ex- 
change, for the proceedings of which I will refer to the 
minute detail given by Mr. Read in his answers, except the 
closing resolution offered by Mr. Thomas, and received 
with such general demonstrations of unqualified applause, 
that nothing would appease the infuriated mob, and restore 
peace and tranquillity, except the immediate surrender (by 
the trustees of the Bank of Maryland,) of the books in 
their possession to the creditors. Overwhelmed with in- 
tense anxiety for the public safety and the restoration of ci- 
vil rule, without the resort to deadly weapons or the shed- 
ding of human blood, on Saturday morning the mayor a- 
gaiii convened a number of highly respectable citizens at 
the Council Chamber, to consult, advise, and co-operate 
with in any measure Ihey might adopt for the more effect- 
uall}'' arresting the progress of the mob, and putting a stop 
to the awful calamity which appeared to await the city. — 
Mt, Hunt presided at the meeting, and delivered a detailed 



51 

and deeply aQecting narrative of the proceedings of the 
mob, and zealously entreated the gentlemen present to a- 
dopt such measures as in their judgments were best calcu- 
lated to produce the desired end. Several gentlemen dis- 
played a good judgment of human events, and recommend- 
ed several plans of operation; great difference of opinion 
existed, and the resort to arms and peaceful measures were 
eloquently and forcibly discussed; but no decisive measure 
was adopted, or a concentration of opinion obtained as to 
the proper means to be applied, until a gentleman, James 
W. McCulloh, Esq. rose in his place, and by powerful rea- 
soning on the policy of peaceful measures, and an assurance 
that the books of the Bank of il/aryland were not in the 
poss3SLion of the trustees, but on tiieir way to Bell-air to 
be surrendered to the court which would meet on the Mon- 
day following. A gentleman from the eastern part of the 
town, believed to possess correct information, James Tho- 
mas of Fell's Point, replied, if that was the fact, the mob, 
or the creditors of the Bank of Marj'land would be satisfi- 
ed, and no apprehensions of riot might be entertained from 
them. This, as regarded myself, and I believe many others, 
silenced the appeal to arms; however, a resolution passed 
calling on the gentlemen pre.:iient to attend at the mayor's 
office the same evening, with an acquisition of such strength 
as they could furnish from their respective wards, repre- 
senting from 50 to 150 men, which would on their arrival 
be furnished with clubs or batons as their means of defence. 
To this call I paid no attention; I neither attended myself, 
nor asked others to attend, convinced that if the mob made 
their appearance that night, it was but childrens play to de- 
fend ourselves with such weapons. 

5th. The means by which the mob might have been pre- 
vented from assembling and destroying the property of the 
memorialists, was within the power of the civil authority, 
if there had been concerted action, by (hose charged with 
the diflferent heads of its department, a call to arms would 
have been responded to at any time previous to Saturday 
night, or Sunday morning. And I believe would have been a- 
dopted by the J\hyor, if legally advised at the proper time, 
great difference of opinion exists, on this head, but I hope it 
is an honest difference among members of the same family, 
the proceedings of Saturday night I shall pass over Irom a 
conviction that they are given in detail by others, more 
minutely, and correctly, than my opportunities would ena- 
ble me to do, on Sunday morning I visited the residences 
the Mayor, Mr. Hunt's about S or 9 o'clock, where 



52 

found several gentlemen discussing the subject of the re- 
cent events, and awaiting the result of the call made on the 
military, which when made, was that they could not be ral- 
lied; the mayor exhausted by fatigue and the loss of rest, 
oppressed and distracted, by the conviction that he was de- 
serted by his fellow citizens, and defeated in the plans a- 
dopted for their defence, exclaimed in tiie language of dis- 
pair: all was lost, and further efforts on his part were un- 
availing, at this moment many i'riends and citizens called 
on him, and stated public feeling was much enraged at him 
aledging, that he was the cau.'-e of the blood ihat was shed 
the previous night, and that his person and property was 
in emminent danger — this information hereceived with much 
concern, and stated to this deponent that offices were not 
made for men. That if hisproj^erty was destroyed it would 
be an evidence, that he had lost the confidence of those who 
had placed him in power, and he would feel it his duty to 
resign — when he could no longer be useful to his fellow ci- 
tizens, about twelve o'clock, M, Mt. Hunt warned his fami- 
ly of the necessity of packing up the most valuable part of 
their effects, and retreat to a friends house which they did. 
Mr. Hunt and myself about one o'clock, took a carriage and 
visited the west end of the town, returned to the coiner of 
Market and Eutaw streets where I left him with the inten- 
tion of calling on a friend (Solomon Etting Esqr.) with 
whom I knew he had frequently consulted, on confidential 
subjects, I proceeded down Market street and found by in- 
formation from the first person I met that it was generally 
rumoured that Mr Hunt and myself had left town, and he 
of course, had abandoned his post, I replied in the negative 
and returned immediately to Mr. Etting's suggested to Ah. 
Hunt, that we should proceed down Market street for the 
purpose of shewing ourselves, and that by that step we would 
effectually put a slop to the rumour, we did so, and on our 
way met several persons all of whom aj^peared pleased to 
see Mt. Hunt had not deserted his post, as was rumoured, 
among whom was Solomon Etting Esqr, his son and seve- 
ral other gentlemen, Mr. Etting proposed that Mr. Hunt 
should attempt to rally a force at the head of which he should 
take his station with fife and drum. And they would fall 
in wiih him, Mr. Hunt declined the proposition stating to 
this deponent, it was impracticable attliat hour, we proceed- 
ed down il/yrket and Holiday streets, untill we reached the 
Mayor's office which was then closed, we returned up Fay- 
atte street until we reached Liberty street, (it was now a- 



53 

bout sundown) where we met Doctor James H. Miller, a 
liighly respectable professor of medidiciiie; who politely 
invited I\Iv. Hunt and myself, to step over to his house and 
partake of a glass of wine tvhich we did, and jiere I must 
correct a witness (Caleb D. Owings) who states that Mr. 
Hunt lodged in my house ip Franklin street on that night. 
Mr. Hunt remained with Doctor Aldlev until Monday, 
morning, being within the sound of the mob engaged in 
deslroying his proj)erty during the night. On Monday 
morning, Mr. Hunt accompanied by Doctor Miller and my- 
self, proceeded to the Mayor's office. When Mr. Hunt re- 
sumed the duties of his office and received the different 
salutations of the citizens as they ajjpeared some of which 
were impertinent, insulting, and abusive, the result of which 
was tlie consummation of his previous design, that of his re- 
signation whicii took place about noon. 

6th. It was generally understood, that the intention of 
the mob was, to destroy the property of other person"., 
the mob was quelled by the simultaneous action of the citi- 
zens, arising from the destruction of Mr. Hunt's, Ben- 
singer, and Willeys' property, aided by the call and ap- 
pearance of the Veteran and venerable General Smith at 
their head, the same means at any stage of the violence 
would have produced the same effect. 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 

Do you know who were the legal advisers of the mayor 
of whom you have spoken in your answer in chief who 
dissuaded him from the use of arms? If so, name them. 
Have you heard who they were, and from whom.'* 

Answer. He has no knowledge which would enable him 
to answer this interrogatory. 

Second. At what hour on Sunday was it that Sol. Etting 
proposed his, Mr. Hunt's, heading fife and drum and at- 
tempting to rally the citizens? 

Ans. Between 4 and 5 o'clock on Sunday. 

Third. Did Mr. Hunt leave Dr. Miller's house on Sun- 
day night, or make any effort to preserve the safety of the 
city or the property of the memorialists? 

Ans. He did not leave the house or make any eflfort to 
prevent the dcstruclibn of property as far as this deponent 
knows. 

Cross interrogatory by Mr. McMAHON. 

Do you know whether before or about the time of the 
riots in August last, there was any expectation or appre- 
hension of an attack by a mob upon the Carmelite Convent 



54 

in the city of Baltimore; and if so, whether any and what 
measures were taken to prevent it? Was not a general ap- 
prehension to this eficct entertained? 

In the month of Au2;ust previously to the general riots, 
a gentleman belonging to the Roman Catholic Church call- 
ed upon me and stated ''that apprehensions were enter- 
tained for the safely of that institution; that the friends of 
the Church would be expected at the signal understood by 
them from the Cathedral bell, to repair to the institution for 
its defence; that in the event of such signal he requested 
this deponent should attend, as his official station and per- 
sonal efforts to prevent the mischief might have great ef- 
fect, and hoped that he would attend to that matter. The 
apprehension was generally entertained so far as his know- 
ledge extends. 

Mc. Ely desired his protest to be entered on the minutes 
of the proceedings to the putting any questions in relat.'on 
to the Carmelite Institute, because of their irrelevancy. 

Mv. McMahon stated his purpose to be to prove the ex- 
istence of a general spirit of anarchy and insubordination 
to the laws in the city of Baltimore in August last, from 
which there was an apprehension of an attack upon help- 
less and defenceless females without the slightest provoca- 
tion. 

Cross interrogatory by 3Ir. PRATT. 

Did the mayor call his corporate advisers to consult with 
him upon the proper course to be pursued to prevent or 
suppress the rioters; if yea, state at what lime such a call 
was made; if nay, slate whether in your opinion the mea- 
sures that would have been probably adopted by such & call 
would have had the effect to prevent or|suppress such riots. 

Ans. I Know of no call being made until 71/onday morn- 
ing. On Sunday I met Mr. Childs, one of the members of 
the Councils who exclaimed much at the proceedings had 
on the occasion, and stated that if the J/ayor had called to- 
gether his legal advisers the result would have been diffe- 
rent. 

I am unable to give an opinion as to what would have 
been the result of such a call. 

ANTHONY MILTENBERGER, being sworn, an- 
swers: 

Answer to Interrogatory 1st. I am a citizen of Balti- 
more, engaged in mercantile business, and was in Balti- 
more during the month of August 1835. 

Answer to Interrogatory 2nd. The first I saw of the 



55 

mob was on Fiiday night, August 7th, at Monument 
Square, where I arrived at the time Mr. Hunt was ad- 
dressing the assemblage from the steps at the north front 
of Barnuin's Hotel, the meeting was also addressed by 
JMesssrs. Jones and Preston, and again fiora tlie portico at 
Mr. Johnson's house by the mayor; at this time I joined 
Mr. Hunt, taking him by tiie arm, a line being formed in 
front of the house, we attempted to press the crowd back, 
in which we only partially succeeded; we made many 
other attempts of a similar character in different parts of 
the square until about twelve o'clock, when the crowd 
generally dispersed. The number in the square, I think, 
must have been upwards of two thousand persons, very 
few of whom appeared to be operatives. Itliat night sug- 
gested the propriety of the mayor's unfurling the Ameri- 
can flag, and calling upon all who were willing to sustain 
the civil authority to rally under it, that our strength 
might be ascertained. The suggestion was not adopted. 
On Saturday morning called at the mayor's office, where 
I had been but a few minutes, during which time Mr. 
Hunt was talking over the occurrences of the previous 
night, before any suggestions were made as to the proper 
or best course to be adopted, Messrs. Willey and Buchan- 
an came in, and were, as well as myself, informed by the 
mayor, that a number of individuals ftom the different 
wards had been invited to meet at the City Hall, and re- 
quested to attend, as he would, in a great measure, be go- 
verned by the decision of that meeting. Mr. Willey then 
recommended a resort to fire-arms, I was of a different 
opinion, and thought the riot might be suppressed by 
other means, (this, I believe, was the first knowledge the 
mayor had of my opinion) I observed, that I recollected 
the mob of 1812, having been very seriously injured on 
that occasion, in rescuing a friend, (Mr. J. Zollickoffer) 
from the house in Charles street, and that I thought a re- 
sort to fire arms at that time by those in the house, had a 
very prejudicial effect. The meeting as contemplated 
by the mayor was held, and the resolution as stated by 
Mr. G. W. Read, was submitted by that gentleman, an 
amendment to which, was offered by, I think, Mr. John 
Scott, after very considerable debate. I offered, as a sub- 
stitute, the resolution which was adopted, not having a 
copy of this resolution 1 cannot pretend to say what was 
its precise phraseology. This resolution 1 stated, when 



56 

I snbmilted it, was for the purpose of conciliating all par- 
ties, which its adoption appeared to do, as offered, it nei- 
ther provided for "batons," "rolling pins," or "clubs." 
This meeting adjourned with an und( rstanding that from 
one thousand to tw;'lve hundred citizens would assemble 
between five and six o'clock, and enroll themselves in 
support of the civd authority. Had this number, or any 
near it, attended, and performed the duty contemplated, 
I feel confident the destruction of property would have 
been prevented, and the loss of lives which occurred, 
would not have happened. The number who assem- 
bled, however, was very small, not exceeding two hun- 
dred, part of whom were mounted on horseback, of ihis 
small force the best disposition was made, and the proper- 
ty of Mr. Johnson protected. Mr. Glenn's house was 
attacked, and I think might also have been protected, had 
the number who assembled at the square been greater, 
that a portion could have been detached for that purpose, 
as it was, none could be spared, except a very few of the 
horse-men. Shortly after I arrived in the square, I met 
Mr. J. Thomas, navy agent, with side-arms, under con- 
siderable excitement, I remonstrated with him upon the 
indiscretion of appearing with side-arms, contrary to the 
arrangements which had been determined upon, Mr. 
Thomas, 1 believe, continued in the square but a short 
time, as I did not see him after the attack commenced. I 
remained in the square, discharging what I conceived to 
be my duty, as one of the aids to the mayor, until a late 
hour, and then retired to ray own dwelling. I take this 
occasion to deny, in the most positive manner, having 
been the private counsellor of Mr. Hunt, he knew no- 
thing of my opinion until made known as hereinbefore 
stated. I yet believe had the number of citizens promis- 
ed, assembled, the destruction of property would have 
been prevented, and the loss of many innocent lives 
would not have happened, nor the widow and the orphan 
have to mourn the loss of husband or father, that this 
opinion was not the result of a fear to meet the emergen- 
cy if necessary, may be deduced from the fact, that though 
my person and property were threatened, and my family 
and neighbors much alarmed for the result, I did not de- 
sert my post, or leave the city, but remained actively en- 
gaged throughout the whole of the disturbance, in en- 
deavoring to arrest its further propress, after the proceed- 



57 

ings of Saturday night and Sunday morning, I thought 
arms should be resorted to, but these ©nly by being 
placed in the hands of" a force duly organised, that the 
disaffected might be intimidated, and the sacrifice of hu- 
man life avoided. At no time before Sunday noon do I 
believe the military would have responded to a call for 
their services. 

On Sunday, August 9th, I repaired to the mayor's of- 
fice about 9 o'clock, A. M. for the purpose of reporting 
myself for duty. I found the office closed, and thence 
proceeded to the dwelling of Mr. Hunt, on my way, I 
was joined by J. Nelson, Esq.; when we arrived at Mr. 
Hunt's, we found the mayor, Mr. G. W. Read, J. Blair, 
Esq. and several other gentlemen present, and were shown 
by Mr. Read, the proclamation subsequently issued on 
the same day, by the mayor, after a very cursory and par- 
tial reading of it, as I understood it to be shown to me, 
not for consulta'ion, but as the result of a previous de- 
termination, I observed, that if permitted, i would sug- 
gest an amendment, the insertion of the following words, 
after the word "disposed" "except such as may be en- 
gaged in aiding the civil authority," saying, "that I pre- 
sumed the civil authority intended making an effort to re- 
store quiet." Mr Nelson then suggested the use ofsome 
one word for another to prevent tautology. This procla- 
mation when shown to me was not signed, nor did Mr. 
Hunt ever consult me about it. I subsequently, on the 
same day, suggested to Mr. Hunt, the propriety of his 
appearing among tlie people, and trying what could be 
done; he expressed fears for his personal safety,! thought 
there was no danger, and offered to go among the peo- 
ple and endeavor to ascertain their views, I did so, and 
was firmly fixed in my opinion that no personal violence 
would be attempted, I returned and so stated to Mr. 
Hunt, it did not appear to alter his views, l was at his 
house several times during that morning. Mr. Hunt nev- 
er intimated tome his intention to resign until the mo- 
ment he handed me his written resignation, a few mo- 
ments before I presented the same to the first branch of 
the city council, on Monday afternoon, August 10th, 
1835, between one and two o'clock. Between three and 
four o'clock P. M., being in front of Mr. Glenn's house, 
where I had been frequently during the day, there was 
a cousiderable crowd of several hundred persons look- 
8 



58 

ing on, and some men and boys destroying Mr. Glenn's 
property, I entered into conversation with those around 
me, expressing ray great regret at the course pursuing, 
and censuring the conduct of those who were engaged, 
saying, "I believed a few determined persons might now 
put a stop to their proceedings, some of those near me, 
then stated, that they would aid in arresting the further 
destruction of property if duly authorized. I enquired, 
*-If I obtain the proper authority, will you aid me in 
driving them from the house," the reply was, "yes;" I 
then asked if there were any present who would accom- 
pany me to ihe residence of Judge Brice — two gentle- 
men present, replied, "they would," we then proceeded 
to Judge Brice's house, and I stated to him, that I had 
been among the people several times during the day, that 
I thought I could perceive a very evident change in their 
opinions since morning, and that I had every reason to 
believe, with proper steps, the further destruction of pro- 
perty could now be arrested, and that if he would give 
an order and authority, to call a meeting forthwith at 
Monument square, that enough could be got together to 
quell the riot; and as an evidence of our belief in this 
opinion, these gentlemen and myself were ready to try 
the experiment. The Judge then commenced a censure 
upon the conduct of Mr. Hunt, and charging myself and 
others as being his advisers, and stating, holding in his 
hand a proclamation signed by the mayor, that he found 
me at Mr. Hunt's that morning, advising its issue*, I stated 
to the Judge that he was wrong, that he did not find me 
at Mr. Hunt's that morning, that he and myself went 
there together, but that it was a matter of no consequence, 
that our object now, was to quell the riot. The Judge 
observed, "give me a certificate that Mr. Hunt has de- 
serted his post, and I will act," I replied, "that I could 
not do so, all I could say, was, that I had looked for Mr. 
Hunt, and could not find him." Mr. Brice's brother then 
came into the room, saying, "there was a creat number 
of the mob approaching the town, part from Howard's 
Park, and part from Federal Hill." This statement I ridi- 
culed — the Judge then left the room, and Messrs. Bran- 
nan and Whitaker, and myself, left the house. 1 was in 
front of Mr. Johnson's house that night, several thousand 
persons were present and appeared either to sanction the 
destruction of property or to be very indififerent about it; 



59 

1 do not think there were more than fifty engaged in work 
at any one time. I was also in front of Mr. Morris' 
house, there were not as many there as had been in front 
of Mr. Johnson's. No efforts were made at either place 
lo arrest the work of destruction. 

On Monday morning, August 10th, 1835, between 8 
and 9 o'clock, Mr. Thomas N. Locke, called upon me, 
and asked, "if I did not think, if the firemen could be 
got out, and paraded in aid of the civil authority, the su- 
premacy of the laws would not be established". After 
some conversation it was agreed upon, that we would 
make the effort; we then saw Mr. Moore, President of 
the New Market Fire Company, Mr. C. M. Keyser, Pre- 
sident of the Liberty. J. K. Stapleton, President of the 
Mechanical, and several others; and appointed a meeting 
for each company, to take place at 12 o'clock, M. These 
meetings resulted in a general turn out of the fire com- 
panies. While engaged in calling upon the Presidents 
of the different fire companies, and ordering out my own, 
Mr. Locke asked, "if I had heard that Mr. Hunt intend- 
ed to resign," I replied,'! had not, and hoped, such was 
not the fact, that it would place me in an awkward situ- 
ation, for, as President of the First Branch of the City 
Council,! would become mayor, until a new election." He 
then enquired,' what will you do,if such should prove to be 
the fact?' 1 replied, 'that if nothing else will do,! will take 
ahor8e,and ride from door to door, calling upon the citi- 
zens to turn out and support me! the mob must be put 
down." ! immediately proceeded to the mayor's office, and 
stated to Mr. Hunt what ! had heard, 'that ! hoped it was 
not true,that all difficulty would soon be atan end, that the 
firemen would turn out and support him, and that with 
such a force he had nothing to fear,' he asked rae, 'if I 
thought they would,' I told him, '! had no doubt of it,' 
he then said, 'he had no notion of resigning.' !t being 
now about 10 o'clock, and the City Council being called 
to meet at that hour, I proceeded to the Council Cham- 
ber. The proceedings of that body are before the com- 
mittee, as given in evidence by Mr. Ridgely, while the 
committee were preparing their report, I left the Council 
Chamber to preside as President of my fire company, a 
distance of about three quarters of a mile, and returned 
previous to the adjournment, after which, coming down 
stairs, I saw Mr. llunt requesting the members to return. 



• 60 

and as I approached him,he desired me to retire with him 
to a room, I did so, he then informed me that he had been 
grossly insulted in his office — that he thought the only 
way to restore peace and quiet was for him to resign, as 
the people appeared to have lost confidence in him — I ex- 
postulated with him upon the impropriety of this course, 
repeating, 'that the firemen would rally around him;and 
sustain him, and that all difficulty would soon be over;' 
he observed, 'that my thus urging him not to resign was 
only a furtherevidence of my friendship for him.' I told 
him, 'that in addition to that, I was satisfied that it was 
best for him to continue, that he was the choice of the 
people, had been elected by a large majority ,that I would 
be to them a stranger, accidently thrown into the situa- 
tion in consequence of oeing president of the first branch 
of the city council,' and solicited him not to resign, with 
some agitation, he then threw his resignation on a table 
and left the hall, I returned to the council chamber and 
read the resignation. I then left the chair and went into 
the mayor's office. 

Answer to third Interrogatory. It was generally ru- 
mored for several days before the riots commenced, that 
combinations were forming in the city for the purpose of 
breaking the public peace and of destroying- the property 
of citizens. 

Answer to fourth interrogatory. I know of no other 
measures being adopted by the public authorities to pre- 
vent the formation of the mob, to disperse it, to prevent, 
or to stop its violence, except those stated, in answer to 
the 2nd interrogatory, and as hereafter stated. 

Answer to 5th interrogatory. For an answer to this 
interrogatory, I respectfully refer to my answer to the 
second. 

Answer to the sixth interrogatory. It was generally 
reported and believed that the mob designed to destroy 
the property of other persons, my own was threatened. 
It was quelled by a general re action in public opinion — 
the turning out of the firemen, and the meeting at the 
Exchange. The same causes and means had they been 
called into exercise earlier, I have no doubt would have 
produced the same results. 



61 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 

1st. Did you know^ that fire arms were used on Saturday 
evening? ani if so, did you know by what authority they 
were used, and did you at that time censure or approve of 
their use? 

2d. Do you believe that when arms were used on Satur- 
day evening the property of R. Johnson could, under the 
then state of things, have been otherwise saved on that 
evening from injury or destruction? 

3d. Did you understand Mr. Reed to have shown you 
and Mr. Nelson Uie draft of the Sunday proclamation only 
that you and Mr. Nelson, or either of you, should correct 
its phraseology and guard it against tautology? Whatever 
may have been the reason with whicii it was sliown to 
yourself and Mr. Nelson, did either of you disapprove of 
it:* and if you did, did you state your disapprobation to Mr. 
Reed or to any one else on that day? and if to any one else 
than Mr. Reed, name the person? 

4th. Understanding on the Saturday evening that arms 
were used by the order of Judge Brice, with the sanction 
of the mayor, and having yourself aided in obtaining arms 
to be used, can you state why you did not disapprove of the 
proclamation of Sunday? 

5th. Have you ever said in conversation with any body 
since the restoration of order in the city of Baltimore, 
"that General Smith wished to back out of the responsi- 
bility he had assumed in his efforts to restore order, and 
that you had great difficulty in keeping him to his post?" 

6th. Have you any knowledge that any one engaged 
in defending the peace of the city on that night lost his 
life by the use of fire arms? 

Answer to 1st cross interrogatory. I know that fire 
arms were used on Saturday evening by the authority of 
Judge Brice, having assisted in delivering them as aid to 
the mayor, undsr the direction of the civil authority. Do 
not recollect whether I did or did not censure their use; 
recollect observing to some person that one hundred stand 
of arms had been issued, not more than twenty- five re- 
mained in the square. 

2d. From the representations of many who were 
around the judge and mayor, I did believe, under the 
then state of things the property of R. Johnson could 
not have been protected without the use of fire arms. 



62 

3d. I did not understand the proclamation was intend- 
ed to deny Mr. Hunt's knowledge of the use of fire arms. 
My impressions at the time were that it was shown to 
Mr. Nelson and myself as the result of a conclusion pre- 
viously determined upon, and therefore did not peruse it 
with that attention I other wises hould have done. I had 
been up nearly the whole of the two preceding nights, 
had just passed through a greatly excited assemblage of 
people, was much exhausted, and under considerable 
anxiety about the state of affairs, and paid very little at- 
tention to the proclamation. My attention I presume was 
more particularly directed to the latter part of it in con- 
sequence of having in constant view that renewed efforts 
should be made by the civil authorities to arrest the pro- 
gress of the mob, as evidence of which I refer to the 
amendment I suggested, my subsequent remarks to Mr. 
Hunt, my call upon Judge Brice on Sunday afternoon, 
and urging the adoption of measures to suppress the 
riots, and my being almost constantly in the midst of the 
different assemblages, endeavoring to stay the tumult. 

4th. The proclamation was not shown to me for my 
approbation or disapprobation. 

5th. After I assumed the oflSce of mayor, Gen. Smith 
was sent for by me. I informed him that 1 was happy to 
hear that he had offered to head the military in suppres- 
sing the riots. He answered, "I am an old man, in my 
84th year, I hold no commssion, and you had better send 
for my son." I have stated that I thought Gen. Smith 
did wish to back out, but I have no recollection of stating 
that I had great difficulty in keeping him to his post. 
General Smith, in a subsequent conversation with me, 
stated that when he came to town and acted as chairman 
to the meeting at the Exchange, he had said that the mob 
could have been ^put down with 25 or 50 muskets, but 
that now he thought he was mistaken. 

6th. He has not. 

Cross interrogatory by Mr. McMAHON. 

Did you not know when the proclamation of the mayor 
was handed to you by Mr. Read and read over, and an 
amendment of it suggested by you, that the purpose of 
the proclamation was to relieve the major from the re- 
sponsibility of having authorized or sanctioned the use 
of fire arras on the preceding evening? or at least did 



63 

you not by that reading of the proclamation, know- 
enough of its contents to believe that it would bear that 
construction? 

Answer. I did not. 

Interrogatories by Mr* ELY. 

1st. What was the general purport and tendency of 
the address of Mr. Preston upon the occasion alluded to 
in your answer to the 2d interrogatory in chief.'' 

2d. If the corporate advisers of the mayor had been 
called together by the mayor antecedent to the com- 
mencement of the riots, do you not believe they would 
have devised some plan for the prevention of the subse- 
quent destruction of property.-* 

3d. Have you any knowledge of the number of per- 
sons who lost their lives by the use of arms during the 
said riots? 

Answer to 1st. It was addressed to the assemblage. I 
was some distance from Mr. Preston when he spoke; its 
general tendency was to conciliate. It understood him 
to say it would be well enough to wait until they heard 
from the Chancellor, or something to that effect. 

2d. I believe that similar measures would have been 
adopted as were adopted, judging from the proceedings 
of the lOth of August. 

2d. I have not. 

James R. HAYMAN, being sworn, answers— 

Ist. I am a citizen of Baltimore, a tobacconist by trade, 
and was in the city of Baltimore during the month of Au- 
gust 1835, and during the three days in question. 

2nd. I saw the proceedings of the mob on 'I'hursday 
evening, I was at home with some friends, when a neigh- 
bor (a little girl) came in, and stated that they were tarr- 
ing and feathering Messrs Johnson and Glenn, in Mon- 
ument square; 1 immediately proceeded down to the 
square, where there was a considerable crowd of persons 
assembled, generally in squads, and discussi.ig with great 
emphasis the failure of the Bank of Maryland, and inci- 
dents connected therewith; staid there some moments and 
walked down street and returned again, do not recollect 
the hour, but found the crowd dispersed. On Friday 
evening, called at a friend's house, and found several per- 
sons there, we all proceeded to Monument square, where 



61 

a dense crowd was collected, stones were occasionally 
thrown at the house, found the civil authorities organ- 
ized on the ground, and the great body of those collected, 
vehemently discussing the all-engiossing subject of the 
incidents connected with the i3ank of Maryland, their feel- 
ings appeared to be mjch excited, heaid several individ- 
uals epdeavoring to convince those with whom they were 
conversing, of the innocence of Mr. Johnson, and ob- 
served that such discussions only served to irritate, and 
were generally met by some question as to the conduct of 
the directors or trustees, and if a further att.-mpt was 
made to explain, the persons explaining were denounced 
?is being interested, or some such charge. Observed Mr. 
Hunt endeavoring to dissuade the people from further vio- 
lence, lost sight of him, and almost immediately, observed 
him on the porch of the hotel, endeavoring to speak to the 
crowd, who appeared little inclined to hear him, was pre- 
vented from hearing myself, by the incessant clashing of 
glass and shouts of the multitude. Gen. Jones then attempt- 
ed to address them, but met with an almost similar fate. Re- 
turned home, and retired for the night, remained at home on 
Saturday till nigiit, then walked down near the square, 
found it guarded, turned off and walked about to different 
parts of the city adjacent to the square, untd 1 heard that 
the mob were breaking into Mr. Glenn's;vvent up to Charles 
street and found them lireaking down tlie door of the house, 
saw nearly all the furniture destroyed, calculate the number 
of persons engaged at about 150 or 200, not including those 
in the street, who were inactive, and appeared to approve 
the measure — walked about till near morning, saw several 
of the mob who were shot by tiie guards, and the general 
transactions of the night and morning. Sunday morning, 
walked about the city, and found that the people were more 
than ever excited, many persons who would not declare an 
opinion before, now spoke boldly, declaring that if inno- 
cent men were to be jnurdcred to protect the property of a 
gang of thieves, we liad come to a fine pass — remained dur- 
ing the day in the city, and about half past seven, passed 
down through the square and found nobody in it, returned in 
half an hour and found an immense crowd, and immediate- 
ly after, the house was attacked, saw most of the furniture 
burned, took my station on the high porches immediately 
opposite, had a full view of all the proceedings, and esti- 
mate those actively engaged at about one hundred, and those 



65 

approving at about 2,000, went fiom there to Mr. Morris' 
but had no opportunity of observing on account of the den- 
sity of the crowd; went home and retired 

36. It was believed by me that there would be a riot, and 
genei*ally by those witii whom I conversed, believed so, from 
the fact of persons assembling before Mr. Johnson's house, 
night after night, was satisfied that they must have had some 
motive for so doing, and could not think from their conver- 
sation that they had any other object in view but violence to 
those against whom they seemed to be excited. Have no 
knowledge as to tlie information in possession of the civil 
au horities. 

4th. 1 do not know of any measures taken by the civil 
authorities except to guard the square, and the efforts made 
by Mr. Hunt on Friday evening with the watchmen and 
the other \jo\ice ofiiccrs. 

5th. I do not believe that the authoriiies civil or mili- 
tary, had the means to disperse the mob before Sunday 
evening, and even then I am inclined to doubt the prac- 
ticability of entirely sup})ressing it, but believe it might 
have been partially controlled. Do not believe that the 
civil authority exercised the power it possessed at that 
season, for reason, that on Friday evening, he chanced 
at the house of Judge Brice, when A. Miltenberger was 
there, requesting the Judge to call a meeting of the cit- 
izens; this the Judge positively refused to do, unless 
furnished with a certificate that Mr. Hurt had deserted 
his post; charged General Miljenberger with being an 
adviser of Mr. Hunt's, and declared that it was all a po- 
litical scheme, and when importuned by a gentleman 
unknown to me, to give the necessary authoiity, he 
again refused, stating that he had not been before con- 
sulted, that he had no fear for himself, that he could pro- 
tect his own house, and let others do likewise. 

6th. When the mob was quelled, many persons 
believed "that it had designed to destroy the property 
of other persons. It was quelled by the change of the 
current of public opinion, when I went to the exchange 
for the purpose of uniting to put it down, found persons 
who had been loud the day or two previous, in their cen- 
sure of Messrs. Glenn and Johnson, now disposed to 
lend themselves to suppress further proceedings. I be- 
lieve that if the same current of feeling could have been 
aroused at any other time, it could have been put down, 
but not without. 
9 



66 

Question propounded by Col. Ely. 

You have stated that you saw some of those men who 
had been shot by the guard, what number of persons did 
yon see in that condition? 

Answer. Five that were wounded, two of them mor- 
tally, one named Wolf, and the other named Murphy. 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 

1st. Will you give your answers as originally prepared, 
and which you say you wish to correct from what you have 
heard since you were before the committee? 

2nd. At what hour did you retire to your home on Sa- 
turday and Sunday nights? 

3d. In whose company were you on Saturday evening 
when you were at Mr. Glenn's house? 

4th. In whose company were you on Sunday when you 
went to the jail? 

5th. In whose company were you when you were at 
Mr. Johnson's housed 

6th. Whom did you go to the jiil on Sunday to bail? 
Did you aid in defending the city from the rioters on either 
Friday, Saturday or Sundaj? And if so — What post, and 
under whose command were you on Saturday Evening? 

7th. You saw, you say, a man named Wolf shot during 
the mob? At what place was he shot; and where did you 
first see him? 

8lh. Who was Delavel whom you wen) to bail? Was he 
in your employ? And if not — Why did you wish to bail 
him? 

Answer to 1st cross interrogatory. I decline to give my 
answers as originally prepared. 

2nd. I retired to my home between 2 and 3 o'clock on 
Sunday morning, and about 1 1 o'clock on Sunday night. 

Sd. I was alone. 

4th. I was with Mr. Vansant. 

5th. I was with Mr. Frederick J. Dug-an. 

6th. I went to the jail to bail a Mr Delavel. I did not 
aid in defending the city from the rioters. 

7th. When I saw him he was lying at the corner of 
Crooked lane and Fayette street. 

8ih He was a neighbour of mine, but not in my employ. 
I wished to bail him because of the great distress in which 
bis family waa. 



67 

JOSHUA V ANSA NT being sworn, answers — 

1st. I am a citizen of Baltimore, and engaged in the 
manufacturing of hats, and was in Baltimore during the 
month oi August, and onthe 8th, 9th and lOth of that 
month. 

2d. I was at Monument Square on Thursday, 7th day 
of August, at 9 o'clock P. M. and saw a large assemblage 
of persons, and heard the mayor of the city addressing 
them, calling upon the same to support the laws, and to 
sustain the honor of the city. I witnessed no acts of vio- 
lence during my stay at the square, which was about noe 
hour. I was at the house of Mr. Glenn on the 9th of 
August, and saw 20 or 30 persons breaking window 
frames, battering down the walls, and destroying such 
parts of the house as appeared most easy of destruction. 
When I first visiied the scene, which was about 11 o' 
clock A. J\I. the number of persons probably amounted 
to 1000. I left the same at half past ! 2 or 1 o'clock P. M. 
and returned to the same at half past 2 o'clock P. M. the 
number of persons at that period amounted to at least 
3000, the work of destruction still going on. Most of 
the witnesses of the scene were silent. On several oc- 
casions and in different parts of the assemblage of spec- 
tators I expressed my disapprobation of the riot, and au- 
dibly enough to be heard at the distance of ten feet. A 
few persons accorded with me in opinion, and to that ef- 
fect expressed their sentiments; others muttered their 
complaint against Mr-. Glenn and others connected with 
the Bank of Maryland, but the multitude were silent 
spectators. On one occasion I witnessed a youth of about 
17 years coming from the direction of the back entrance 
of Mr. Glenn's house with a large book; standing on <ho 
opposite side of the street from him, I told him that the 
book was not his property, and requested him to depo- 
eite the same at the house of the mayor, whose door at 
that time he was passing; he cursed me, and passed on 
uninterrupted. At that period a person, whom I cannot 
identify, approached me and requested me to remain si- 
lent, which advice 1 availed myself of. I was also at the 
house of Mr. Johnson on the JUh day of August fron; 
the hour of 9 until 10 P. M. and witnessed the destruc- 
tion of his hovse, and the burning of his furniture as well 
as other effects. The crowd of persons about the premises 
and in the immediate neighborhood were immense; and 



68 

those engaged in the acts of violence greatly exceeded 
in numbers those who were engaged in similar ouiragea 
at the house of Mr. Glenn; which fact convinced me that 
I had underrated the strength of the mob, still more for- 
cibly manifested by the large body who were departing 
from the house of Mr. Hinize, when I was returning to 
my residence. 

3d. It was apprehended or supposed that (he property 
of Mr. Johnson would be attacked, because of the crowd 
of persons which had assembled around his dwelling on 
the nights of the Gth, 7th and 8th of August. 

4th. I was present at a meeting called by the mayor 
on the 8th of August, for the purpose of consulting with 
his fellow citizens as to the most expedient means of 
preserving the peace of the city. When I entert^d the 
hall the meeting were discussing the propriety of arm- 
ing the citizens with fire arms, which means did not pre- 
vail, the resrto thereto being sustained by only 8 or 10 
persons present, whilst the meeting must have exceeded 
oue hundred in numbers. I left the hall after remaining a 
short period, and know nothing of the adoption of fur- 
ther means on that day to preserve the peace of the city; 
neither do I know any thing as to the proceedings of that 
night in relation to the measures employed to protect 
the property of Messrs. Johnson and Glenn, save that I 
saw horsemen riding up and down Market street, between 
Calveit and Charles streets, whom I supposed to be the 
guards called into service in virtue of a resolution adop- 
ted at the meeting which I have before referred to. I 
did not see the mayor of the city at any period of the 
riot, except at the period which I have before spoken of. 
On the 9ih of August, about 4 o'clock P. M. I went to 
the house of Judge Brice with a friend, who intended to 
offer bail for the release of an individual who was con- 
fined by the authorities of the city in discharge of their 
duties on the evening of the Sth of August. Mr. Mil- 
tenberger and two others v/ere present at the same time: 
the former told the judge that his business on visiting 
him related to the suppression of the riots. He remark- 
ed that it was his impression if the citizens were called 
together tlie riots then going on could be quelled; that 
the public v«rould answer to the call if made; and requested 
the judge to issue his order for convening the same. The 



69 

judtje replied that he would take no steps in tl)e measure 
proposed unless he received a certificate froro the mayor 
of the city, setting forth that he had abandoned his post- 
After further convergation of a similar character, Mr. Mil- 
tenberger and the two geatlenien which accompanied him 
left the house, and subsequ'ently my fri(;nd and myself. 

5th. Not being very able; to judge of the strength of the 
mob, and of the prevading opinions of the citizens of Bal- 
timore on the nights when they, the mob, were most active 
in their destructions, except from the opinions of others, I 
cannot answer the interrogatory in the fifth specification. 

6lh. It was reported and generally believed that the 
mob had designed to destroy tlie property of other persons 
than those connected with the Bank of Maryland. The 
mob was quelled by the citizens generally, who assembled 
at the city hall on tlie afternoon of the lOih of August. I 
have replied to the latter clause of this specification in my 
answers to the 5lh. 

JACOB DEEMS, being sworn, answers: 

To 1st interrogatory. I am a citizen of Baltimore, am 
one of the Commissioners of Health for said city, was in 
the city during the month of August, IS55, and particu- 
larly on the 8th, 9th and lOlh days. 

2nd. 1 was present by the request cf Mr. Hunt, on the 
the evenings of the 6th, 7th and Sth of August, saw the 
proceedings of the mob, and remained with him until the 
mob was dispersed. On Friday evening from one to two 
hundred persons appeared to be engaged in the mob, — the 
whole number of persons must have been near three thou- 
satid. On Saturday evening, by order of Mr Hunt and 
Genl. Miltenberger, I was stationed in Fayette, near the 
intersection of North street, where I remained from half 
past 7 o'clock, P. M. till about two o'clock in the morning, 
during the night, our line was repeatedly assailed with the 
most foul and abusive language from the mob, calling us 
Bank Robbers, and that we were hired by Robbers of 
Widows and Orphans' t^c. Several attempts were made 
by the mob to force their way through our line, without 
effect; I was under the necessity several times through the 
night to send to Mr. Hunt for aid, and on one occasion Gen; 
Miltenberger, who frequently visited our post, brought to 
our aid three men, all he could spare. Many stones and 
brickbats were thrown at us during the night, but owing to 
the density of the crowd, but few of us were injured. 



70 

Sd. It Tvapg«^npraily believed, for some time previous lo 
the 8th, that an attack was meditated on the persons of 
Messrs. Johnson, Glenn and McEldry, and from common 
report was known to the mayor, there having been several 
placards posted up to that effect. 

4th. Mr. Hunt, a number of his officers and watchmen, 
and other citizens repaired to Monument Square, on the 
evenings of Thursday and Friday, when many turbulent 
persons were arrested for tlirowing stones at Mr. John- 
son's windows, but were immediately rescued by the by- 
standers; Mr. Hunt was exposed to great danger and con- 
trary to the entreaties of his friends, refused to relax his 
exertions until the mob was dispersed, no man could have 
done more, with his tlien means. On Saturday a meeting 
of highly respectable ciiiz^nsheld in the Council Chamber, 
Urcided against the use of fire-arms, it was tliought, that 
at least one thousand citizens could have been brought to 
the aid of the civil authorities, but owing to the pecuniary 
losses sustained by many of the citizens, either personally, 
by their connection, or friends from the failure of several 
monied institutions, perhaps, not exceeding one hundred 
and fifty could be prevailed on to attend; I solicited many 
to aid the civil autiiorily, but few were willing to comply, 
assigning as a reason, that they were not willing to risk 
their lives for the piotectionof those they supposed to have 
been instrumental in the failure of the Bank of Maryland. 

5th. In the absence of an efl&cient militia law, it is doubt- 
ful whether the means was in the power of the civil au- 
thority in the early stage of the mob to prevent its forma- 
tion, tew had any idea that any thing more than an attack 
on the persons of Messrs. Johnson and others was mtended, 
and it was generally supposed that they were out of town. 
Col. Howard did on Sunday, order out the uniformed com- 
panies under his command, and (as I am informed) three 
men only attended; and the district men had not been en- 
rolled for several years. It is possible that one hundred 
armed men nfight have put down the mob in its early stage, 
butas stated jn my answer to the4lh interrOgatory,the use of 
fire-arms was decided against. The only means used, 
were pacific as f-ir as my knowledge extends. 

6th. It was generally understood that the mob intended 
to commit further depredations, and particularly on the per 
sons and property of those who assisted in repelling them, 
myself among others. On Monday a number of citizens 



71 

met at the Exchange anl headed by Gen. Samuel Smith, 
marched to Howard's Park, ihence to the Mayor's Ollice, 
and all appeared willing to receive arms. On tlie same day 
the Fire Companies were ordered out, and Irom their form- 
idable appearance as regards numbers, it is my opinion, 
contribuied much to convince the relraciory that the supre- 
macy of the laws would be sustained. 

HENRY S. SANDERSON bein- sworn, answers: 
1 am a citizen of Baltimore and at present the Sheriff 
of Baltimore county. 

I was in the city of Ballimore and pailicularly on the 
eighth, ninth and tenth of August, 1835. 

I did not see the first proceedings of the mob and knew 
nothing of it until Friday the 8th, when I was called on 
by the Mayor of the cify and requested to aid him on 
that night in maintaining the peace. 1 am unable to say 
what number composed the mob, but there was a large 
assemblage and number of orderly citizens were dis- 
persed through the crowd, endeavoring to allay the ex- 
citement. I unable to say who they were that counte- 
nanced and encouraged the mob. I was informed some 
few days before, that the public mind was much agitated 
in consequence of the receivers of the Bank of Mary- 
land having refused to give up to the creditors, the Trust 
of the said bank and that it was likely the peace of the 
city would be disturbed. I was not aware that a combi- 
nation was forming in the city for the purpose of break- 
ing the public peace and destroying, the property of their 
citizens and as I before stated, knew nothing of it until 
called on by the mayor. 

The mayor of the city made a call on me asSheiiff of 
the county for my aid and assistance in obedience to 
which I repaired to Alonument Square with my officers 
on Friday and Saturday nights and remained until day 
light each morning, ordering the persons present to dis- 
perse or assist me in endeavoring to keep the peace. I 
arrested several, but they were immediately rescued out 
of my hands. The mayor, his and my officers and myself 
did all we could to prevent and put a stop to the pro-. 
ceedingsof that night. 

As the sheriff of the county, when called on to the as- 
sistance of the mayor, I did all that laid in my power and 
exerted the power and influence of my office to prevent 



72 

the assemblage of the mob and to disperse and restrain 
(hem from destroying the property of the memorialists 
and under the orders of the Judges of the City Court, 
handed an order to the commanding officer of the Vol- 
unteer corps for a requisition of men and arms, the offi- 
cers and men were ordered out on parade, but refused 
or neglected to obey the call. 

The mob was finally quelled by the unanimous turn 
out of the citizens, under a reaction of the public sen- 
timent, awakening from the general apathy thai had pre- 
viously pervaded ti.e whole town. 

I have understood that the property of other citizens 
were threatened. The same means, viz: a general turn 
out of the citizens would have at any time prevented 
the mob. 

My officers and self were employed diligently on Fri- 
pay, Saturday and Sunday, in summoning persons to the 
aid and assistance of the mayor, one of my officers while 
so employed, was shot at from the mob, previous to the 
use of fire arms by the guard, the ball passed through 
his hat. My life and property, as well as those who were 
in company with me, were threatened. 

E. K. DEAVER being sworn, answers — 

1st Question. I am a citizen of Baltimore, engaged in 
the printing business, and was in the city of Baltimore 
during the whole of the riots in August last. 

2d Question. I was present at the riots in front of Mr. 
Johnson's dwelling on the evenings of the 5th, 6th and 
7th of August. On Wednesday, the 5th, there was a 
small assemblage, who dispersed about 10 o'clock. On 
Thursday evening, the (ilh, there was I think from 2 to 
300 persons present, but few openly expressed hostile 
intentions; they dispersed about 12 o'clock without it 
being necessary to call the assistance of the whole watch- 
On Friday evening, the 7lh, I arrived between 8 and 9 
o'clock, and found between 4 and 5,000 persons present, 
I passed through the vast multitude to ascertain their 
feelings, and was struck with horror and alarm to 
hear the violent denunciations made against all who had 
any thing to do with the Bank of Maryland, and for the 
first time was lead to believe that the property of Mr. 
Johnson was in danger of being destroyed. The actual 



73 

number of the mob I am unable to answer, but have al- 
ways considered that the passive were equally as guilty 
as the active rioters; for, by their apathy, it was openly 
countenancing and encouraging them. 

3d Question. It was generally known that manuscript 
hand bills were circulated throughout the city, of a most 
inflamable character, to inflict peisonal injury to Messrs. 
Johnson, Glenn &:c. Mr. Morris's name was not inclu- 
ded in the hand bills circulated, nor did I ever hear him 
threatened in any way until Sunday night, when 1 heard 
that the mob were destroying his property on Sunday 
night. The above hand bills were known to all who had 
any concern or control over the peace of the city. 

4th Question. TIjc mayor was requested to call a town 
meeting at the Exchange on Friday evening the 7th. One 
thousand hand bills were printed and circulated. The pro- 
ceedings which took place there were correctly stated by 
Mr. Kettlewell in his answer to the 5lh interrogatory. The 
means adopted at this meeting not proving effectual, the 
mayor called a meeting of a number of respectable citi- 
zens at the ciiy hall; at which meeting the means made use 
of on Saturday evening to suppress the mob were adopted, 
and it was supposed that 100 from each ward could easily 
be procured to assert the civil authority, to meet at 5 
o'clock at the city hall. When the time arrived for the 
assembling the guard, when only about 100 appeared after 
all the efforts that had been made use of to notify the citi- 
zens generally; and it is my opinion that had the civil 
authority realized the assistance which they had every 
reason to anticipate would be afforded them, the city 
would not have been disgraced by the destruction of the 
property of the memorialists. 

5th Question. It is my opinion that the civil authority 
made use of every means of a passive nature for the 
suppression and dispersing of the rioters. The means 
made use of by them I have stated in my answer to the 
4lh inquiry. As to a resort to the military, after taking 
into consideiation the small number who volunteered 
their assistance on Friday night to assist the civil autho- 
rity, when called on by their chief magistrate, out of 
Bueh a dense crowd assembled there; also the few who 
answered the summons to meet at the mayor's office on 
Saturday evening at 5 o'clock, to carry out the measures 
10 



74 

of the meeting held at the city hall in the morning, and 
the further refusal of the military to answer the call of 
their commanding officers to assemble in Monument 
Square at 8 o'clock on Sunday morning, and the general 
apathy existing, I much doubt the probability of a call 
at any time being responded to by them*, but at the same 
time I would not wish to be understood that, in the city 
of Baltimore, there was not many citizens who would 
not willingly have risked their lives on that occasion, if 
they had have had confidence in receiving mutual sup- 
port from each other. 

6th Question. The mob was quelled by a reaction of 
public opinion, caused by the destruction of the proper- 
ty of the memorialists, the chief magistrate of the city, 
and several other citizens, many of whom I have no 
doubt at the time looked on without any concern, but 
often reflected with regret, and the further reports that 
many other citizens were to fall a sacrifice to popular 
fury who had assisted the civil authority on Saturday 
evening, not even the banks excepted. This reaction 
caused a meeting at the Exchange; Gen. Smith was invi- 
ted to take the command, which he accepted, the citizens 
rallied around him and the mob was quelled. 

Question. Who printed the mayor's proclamation on 
Sunday, and at what time was the manuscript given to 
you, and at what time was it issued. 

Answer to 1st inquiry. The mariuscript was handed to 
me to print between 11 and 12 o'clock on Sunday the 
9th August; it was issued about 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon. It was printed in the office in which I am con- 
cerned. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of the prepara- 
tion of that proclamation, and if so state it.'' 

Answer. I called at the dwelling of Mr. Hunt, mayor 
of the city, on Sunday morning, and whilst in conversa- 
tion with him in the parlour, perceived Mr. George Read 
and Gen. A. Miltenberger in the back parlour at a table; 
T arose from off the sofa on which I was sitting, and ad- 
vanced to them to see what they were about, when I 
found Mr. Read v/riling a proclamation to the citizens of 
Baltimore; Mr. Miltenberger sitting in front of him. — 
When Mr. Read had completed it he read to those pre- 
sent, and after some alterations, Mr. Hunt was called into 
the back room, and it was read to hira, when he then 



75 

signed it. Before it was handed to me to print, Mr- Mil- 
tenberger suggested an amendment in the following 
words: "except such as may be engaged in aiding the 
civil authority." Which were added, and Mr. Hunt re- 
quested to sign it a second time. On my way to the of- 
fice, I called in at the Gazette office to ascertain whether 
1 could get any assistance to finish the work with des- 
patch. I saw Mr. Gwynn and informed him what I was 
about doing. He requ( sted to see (he manuscript, and 
I read it (o him. He objected to that part of the procla- 
mation which related to the use of fire arms, having been 
used without his judgnient and advice, and requested 
me not to print it without seeing Mr. Hunt, and inform 
him that he disapproved of it, which I promised so to do. 
I went to my otiice, and after setting a young man to 
work, copied the objectionable part and went to the 
dwelling of the mayor; when I arrived there I found he 
was not in, and returRed to ray office again and proceed- 
ed to print and issue it, not feeling myself willing to take 
upon myself the reiponsibility of suppressing it. 



JAMES MULLEN, being sworn, answers — 

I am a citizen of Baltimore, am now, and was at the 
time of the mob, one of the Captains of the Middle Dis- 
trict Night Watch, I was in the city of Baltimore during 
the whole of the month of August, and was on duty on 
the 6th, 7lh, 8ih and 10th nights of August — on the night 
of the 7th, I was in Monument square by order of the 
mayor, with the watchmen and oliicers, and saw a large 
number ot people, I believe between two and three thou- 
sand, at first, I was led to believe they were principally 
spectators, but was soon convinced to the contrary, the 
boys began to be very disorderly first, and when any at- 
tempt was made cither by an officer or watchman to stop 
or arrest them, we found we had more than boys to con- 
tend with; disorder seemed to increase, and at length a 
volley of stones and brickbats were thrown at Mr. John- 
son's house — the mayor who was there on the spot, im- 
mediately threw himself in the breach and expostulated 
with them all that man could, but to no purpose; he, with 
all the watch and police of the city, used every peacea- 
ble means in their power, with the help of a number of 
the most respectable citizens to stop the violence of the 



76 

mob, but for a while it was doubtful whether all could 
succeed. The mayor ascended the steps of Mr. Barnum's 
tavern, and addressed them — appealing to their patriot- 
ism, to their love of liberty, to every thing that was near 
and dear to them as Baltimoreans, to stand by him in de- 
fence of the laws and good order, and that he would en- 
force the laws at the risk of his life. Several gentlemen 
attempted to address the mob, but the cry of "bank rob- 
bers, what become of our money?" was echoed from every 
part of the crowd — it was then evident that more trou- 
ble might be expected than was before anticipated. 

3d. It was vvell kfionwn in the city that great discon- 
tent existed in consequence of the failure of the Bank of 
Maryland and other institutions of a similar kind, by 
which a large number of the people had lost their money, 
the ground that gave the city authorities reason to anti- 
cipate disorder and particularly the mayor, by whom we 
were called to act on that occasion) was handbills placed 
up, threatening Johnson, Glenn and others, concerned with 
the Bank of ilfaryland, if they did not give up the books 
and papers, or satisfy the people who lost their money, 
what had become of it. It was well known that a news- 
paper and pamphlet war was going on, and that something 
bad it was feared, would grow out of it. The mayor, I un- 
derstood, had received several anonymous letters. That 
the civil authorities knew of any combination to destroy 
property other than what the above state of affairs was cal- 
culated to show, I know not. 

4th. The means resorted to by the mayor to stop the 
mob or any thing unlawful being done, was ordering the 
watch to be set at an earlier hour than usual, and the city 
police under his control to join them, and whenever dis- 
order existed, to suppress it if possible — this course was 
pursued according to his order, he, in person, generally at 
the head. 

5th. With regard to the civil authorities' means to sup- 
press the riot — the only civil means known to me, was used 
to the utmost extent — how far that was successful, your 
committee can judge from testimony already before them. 
One thing, I believe, that had it not been for indiscretion 
on the part of some of the citizens^ who turned out to as- 
sist the civil authorities, the mob would have been a great 
deal easier put down — in the first place, it was thought wise 
to add to the force already got up, a troop of mounted horse, 
no doubt with the view of its being useful — but T am led 



77 

to bel eve, it onl)' served to get up more excitement, and 
create new enemies to the peace. The leason was soon 
made manifest, after the first charge tlie horsemen made on 
the people, there appeared to be more fury in their minds 
than before, and several could be heard to curse the damned 
horse, that they had rode over such and such ones. Some 
said to be standing in their own doors and some on the 
street, not annoying any person. 

So enraged was the mob, and so desperate did they soon 
get, that most of the horsemen were wounded, and had, I 
believe, to abandon the project till they were permitted to 
use fire arms; then it was reasonable to believe they would 
retaliate, which they did: they and other citizens on foot, 
who were allowed to use arras, used them very indiscreet- 
ly; I was an eye witness to some of it. I do not say that 
all did, or that after the first shot was fired the use of them 
was not much wanted; on the contrary, that a number car- 
ried arms on that occasion and used them to good and useful 
effect. 1 can bear testimony, before such means as I have 
above stated took place, we, the civil authority, had recei- 
ved but little bodily injury; but after that all respect for us 
seemed to be lost, and we were beat and abused, and seve 
ral of our officers and men severely wounded, in conse- 
quence of which we had to resort to first principles, lay 
aside our espontoons, and use brickbats and stones, which 
we did effectually. I have heard charges made against the 
Mayor by some of the persons who used arms on that oc- 
casion, on account of a handbill that appeared on Sunday 
the 9th of August, in the afternoon, and a great deal of 
blaaie attached to him for undertaking in that bill to acquit 
himself of the responsibility of ordering them to be used, 
and that was assigned as the reason the militia would not 
turn out. It is well known that many who did use them did 
not wait to see the Mayor's handbill, but was off in the mor- 
ning by the first conveyance. I believe it is well known 
that after the ivild and unguarded use that was made of 
arms on Saturday night and early on Sunday morning, all 
that had taken part to put down the mob were moie or less 
afraid. As for the military force of Baltimore, if they are 
properly protected and encouraged by good and wholesome 
laws, they would be capable of putting down ten such 
mobs, such not being the case then the result is known. 

6th. On Monday morning before the meeting was held 
at the Exchange, several reports were in circulation, and 
it was said that all who had taken an active part to put 



78 

down the mob would suffer, what was the intention of the 
mob, 1 am nor able to say, but I believe there were many 
who took part in its earliest stages, that thought it had now 
gone far enough and mnny of tliem I believe, were very 
sorry they iiad ever gave countenance loany such proceed- 
ings under any circumstance. The scene that presented 
itself to tlie public view on Sunday night and Monday 
moriiif/g, was calculated, to shock and for ever prevent any 
countenance heiiig given to any such proceedings. My 
opinion is, that at no stage of the affray, could there be 
found men enough, trust-worthy and willing, to take up 
arms to put it down, as until after such horrid acts were 
committed, and it known that General Smith had taken 
Ihs command, it is well known here and elsewhere in the 
State of Maryland, that the citizens of Baltimore had long 
cherished for the old soldier and statesman, a high regard, 
and that any thing that he would take part in, would he 
Btrongly supported by the people. He with the Star- 
Spangled Banner made fast, to a hickory pole, rallied the 
people around him, and bank robbery ivas for a time put 
down and forgot — consequently the mob put down. 

Cross Interrogatory by Mr. JOHNSON. 

Wasthere any watch set on Sunday night, or did the 
Police of the city do any thing, and what was done on 
Sunday evening or night, to preserve the peace of the 
city, that you are aware ol.'' 

Answer. There was no watch set in the Middle District, 
which includes that pait of the city, between Liberty 
Street and Harford Run. 

He is not aware of any thing having been done Sunday 
night, to preserve the peace of the city. In some of the 
districts he has understood the watch was set. ■ 

S. BRADY being sworn, answers: 

1 am engaged in the Dry Goods Business. I was in the 
city at the time mentioned in the interrogatory. 

2nd Question I Answer — I saw from Thursday night up 
to the Sunday night, about twelve or one o'clock, the pro- 
ceedings pretty generally of the mob. I have never been 
able to satisfy my own mind as to the number actively en- 
gaged in the riots, nor of those openly encouraging it. Bui 
that theiewere thousands who were passive or indifferent 
witnesses so long as their object was the destruction of 
Messrs. Johnson's and Glenn's property, I have no doubt. 

3d Question, I answer, that it was gendrally apprehended 



79 

by the citizens, that a combination or combinations were 
forming for the purpose of taking summary redress of those 
who had had the management of the Bank of Maryland, 
and those who were instrumental in withholding the 
Books of the Institution from those creditors who had 
made a requisition of them. 

4th Quesiion, I answer — The first step (as well as I re- 
collect) was taken by J. Hunt, mayor, wiio, when notified 
of an organized mob at Mr. Johnson's on the Thursday 
night, made his appearance on the ground, and user! the 
means as he tiiought no doubt, tlie best, by attemptino- to 
reason with them at the folly and madness of their designs — 
this proving insufficient —he then used the authority of his 
office, by calling out the police to his aid, and all other 
citizens who were friendly disposed, to quell the riot. I 
was a witness to the energetic though peaceful means re- 
sorted to by Mr. Hunt on that occasion, and of the bold, 
personal daring evidenced by him in his efforts to suppress 
themob. Subsequently, a large number of the most influ- 
ential citizens were invited by Mr. Hunt to meet in the 
City Hotel, to consult as to the best mode or means to be 
adopted in the emergency. Tiie result of the consultation 
was a resort to similar means used by A/r. Hunt, though 
more enlarged. 

5th. Questson — The answer seems to bo embraced in 
4th question. 

6lh. Qnestion, answer — There was a genera! impression, 
and I believe well founded, that otiier property had been 
marked out by the mob for destruction. A re-action in pub- 
lic sentiment, and the mob being fully glutted in their ven- 
geance on the original victims markefl out by them. Com- 
bined with the strong and unshaken confidence in the ven- 
erablepatriot who offered himself as a neucleus 3s a rallying 
point for all who were determined to put a stop to all such 
disgraceful proceedings. I mean General S Smith. 

Cross Interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 

1st. Were you in the guard on the Saturday night, of 
the mob. 

Answer. He was not. 

,2nd. AVere you present at the office of the Mayor on 
Saturday, when the meeting of the citizens was assem- 
bled there, and did you appear to enrol yourself among 
those who were to defend the city and preserve its peace 
on that occasion.'' 

Answer. He was at the Mayor's office, but did offer to 
enrol himself. 



80 

THOMAS E. BOISD, Sen. being affirmed, answers: 

To the first Interrogatory. That he is a citizen of Balti- 
more, by profession a Physician, was born in said city, and 
has resided there during the greater portion of his life; was 
in the city during the time designated in the interrogatory. 

To the second interrogatory he answers, that he was at 
the late mayor's, Mr. Hunt, on Thursday evening the 6th 
of August, when a messenger arrived who informed the 
mayor that there was a large assemblage of people in il/o- 
nument Square, in front of Mr. Johnson's house. He ac- 
companied Mr. Hunt to the Square and found a large ga- 
thering of people, but there appeared to be but few actuat- 
ed by any mischievous purpose: most of the crowd seem- 
ed to be collected by curiosity, but as there had been pre- 
vious intimations of a bad state of feeling in the communi- 
ty, the mayor took a station upon Mr. Barnum's steps and 
addressed the multitude. He was cheered by some and 
Jiissed by others, and some very insulting questions asked 
him. The tumult increased, and the voice of the speaker 
was drowned: other gentlemen attempted to address the 
crowd but with no better success. At length a considera- 
ble portion were drawn away by a <'ruse de guerre" of 
some person, who proposed to adjourn to a neighbouring 
grog shop and get something to drink. The crowd gradu 
fdl\fc melted away, and there was left only here and there a 
ring of persons with an orator in the centre vociferating 
with a zeal and a violence of gesticulation worthy of the 
famous Anacharsis Cloots, and manifesting an equal desire 
to be "the orator of the human race." 

To the third interrogatory he answers. That he attend 
ed by invitation, the meeting of citizens at the Council 
Chamber, and when he arrived found a large and very re 
spectable assembly. The mayor was in the chair, and he 
learned had given a statement of his proceedings up to that 
time and had fairly admitted that with the aid of all his 
police officers, he had been unable the preceding night, to 
preserve the peace of the cit)', or to prevent the breaking 
of the windows in Mr. Johnson's house. The proposition 
under discussion at the time your deponent entered the 
room was the one which was finally adopted. It propos 
ed that the citizens in attendance should be sworn as con^ 
stables, and that they should summon from each ward of 
the city at least fifty persons, who together should aid th« 
mayor in preserving the public peace. No arms were ta 
be allowed, for the short club to be furnished, we were 



81 

told, was not intended to be used either offensively or de- 
fensively. It was the '*m?ce," *'the emblem of the civil 
authority," before which the people, however exasperated, 
or however greedy ol ])kiiulcr would bow with implicit and 
ready submission. Your deponcMit iiad some misgivings as 
to ihc magical influence of this "mace;" he did not recog- 
nise in it "the emblem of civil authority" himself until it 
was pointed out to him, and he feared the mob were not 
much better instructed than himself, and if they were they 
might make a mistake in the night; he was suspicious too 
that those who had not retrarded the living "emblem" of 
the civil authority in the persons of the mayor and all his 
police officers, might not feel the magical effects of the 
mace itself, especially as some wags hacl already degraded 
the hallowed emblem by the vulgar, culinary appellation of 
a "rolling pin." Your deponent therefore proposed as a 
substitute for the measure under discussion, two resolutions. 
First, that the mayor be requested to issue his proclama- 
tion informing the public that an armed lorce would be pre- 
pared to aid the civil authority, if necessary, for the pre- 
servation of the peace of the city, and that he advise all 
who are not engaged in personally aiding the civil authori- 
ty to keep at home and take care of their children, appren- 
tices and servants. Secondl}*, that the mayor make a re- 
quisition' on the proper military officer to call out all the vo- 
lunteer military companies in the city, furnished with the 
necessary fixed ammunition, and that this force be held in 
reserve to aid if necessary, the police and the constabulary 
force which might be organised. He learned that resolu- 
tions had been offered of a similar import by John Scott, 
Esq. before your deponent entered the room, and they were 
now opposed, chiefly on the ground that it might endanger 
the lives of the people — that it would be as well to employ 
"mercenary soldiers" to murder our fellow citizens, and 
that it was believed wholly unnecessary to resort to the use 
of fire arms, as the people would respect the "mace." The 
gentlemen who had previously advocated the use of a mili- 
tary force having made their speeches before your depo- 
nent entered the room, he cannot say by what arguments 
they sustained the m-easure. For himself, he endeavoured 
to show that the previous occurrences warranted the belief 
that measures had been concerted to destroy the property 
of gentlemen concerned with the affairs of the Bank of 
Maryland — that the mayor had explicitly slated that theci- 
11 



82 

vil authority had been set at nought and his personal safety 
endangered on the preceding evening, and as it was Satur- 
day we .night expect a great augmentation of the mob by 
the accession of boys who would be turned loose from em- 
ployment in the evening, and that these always afforded 
most active auxiliaries to any mischievous combination. It 
was asserted that no reliance could be placed upon the un- 
armed constabulary force contemplatea, as if it could be 
collected, it was only intended to occupy the avenues lead- 
ing to the Square, and therefore could only defend Mr. 
Johnson's house, whilst it was well known that the houses 
of Mr. i»/orris, Mr. McElderry, Mr. Glenn and Mr. Elli- 
cott were in equal danger. It was moreover contended, 
that the unarmed citizens must retire upon the first attack 
with brick bats from the boys, and then one of two alterna- 
tives would be presented — either fire arms must be distri- 
buted or the city given up to the mob. If the lormer, then 
fire arms must be given to all who applied, and might be 
put into the hands of the mob themselves, and must neces- 
sarily be given to men under no military subordination or 
discipline, and who could not be expected to use them with 
discretion. Ii was moreover urged that as the citizens would 
have been apprized that no fire arms were to be used, the 
spectators would constitute the great mass of the mob, ad- 
ding by numbers, though not by intention, to the real 
strength of the rioters, and when fire arms came to be used 
could not be distinguished from those who were the most 
wickedly disposed. It was from all this contended, that it 
would be an act of mercy and humanity to call upon the 
militar}' in the first instance and to give them, not blank 
but ball cartridges, as such a course would deter the rioters 
from the commission of crimes bj' which they would incur 
the greatest hazards before they could be subdued; and this 
position was sustained by a reference to the history of mobs 
both in this country and in Europe. These are not after- 
thoughts: they were expressed and urged upon the meeting 
at great length, and perhaps with more confidence than be- 
came so humble an individual. They will not fail to be in 
the recollection of many who were present who voted for 
the resolutions moved by your deponent; and they are re- 
ferred to now because it seems necessary to show that we 
were not unapprised of our danger: and if it be asked why 
the resolutions were not carried, your deponent can only 
givio the impression made upon his mind at the time, and 
which subsequent observations tended to confirm, namely, 



86 

that we were in the hands nf partisan politicians — the mob 
had votes to dispose of and neither party were willing to 
lose them. The mayor gave no intimation of his wishes 
as to the measures which he himseif would prefer, but left 
the subject to be determined by the meeting without any 
official bias, but signified liis approbation of the measures 
which were ultimately adopted. 

In answer to that part of this interrogatary which relates 
to the information winch the civil authoritjr Jiad acquired 
of the combination which was forming to disturb the peace 
of the city, your deponent replies, that on Friday evening 
they had ocular demonstration of the fact, and for some 
time before, incendiary papers and placards had been so 
freely distributed as to awaken the apprehension that tu- 
mults were about to occur, which together with the general 
hostility which had been excited against the persons con- 
cerned with the affairs of the Bank of Maryland .must have 
been as well known to the police as to others. 

To the fourth interrogatory, he answers, that of the mea- 
sures taken by the public autliorities to prevent the riots, he 
has nothing to add to what he has said under the foregoing 
interrogatory. Of the measures subsequently taken to sup- 
press the mob, he will give what passed under his own ob- 
servation. In conformity with the resolutions passed by 
the assembly of citizens at the Council chamber, the per- 
sons composing it were directed to go into their several 
wards, and sommon the citizens to aid the civil authority; 
most of those summoned by your deponent, refused to at- 
tend unless they were furnished with fire arms. When the 
force collected from the several wards of the city, conven- 
ed at the Mayor's office, they Mere found to amount to 
something more than one hundred. The maces were distri- 
buted, and the guards thus equiped were stationed at the in- 
hance of the different avenues, leading to the Square. While 
tome horsemen also bearing the Magical emblem of civil 
authority, were stationed in the Square. Your deponent, 
with one of his Sons, and a pupil from his office were plac- 
ed under the command of W. (J. Reed Esqr. at the junc- 
tion of Fayatte street and St, Pauls' Lane. The command 
might at first have amounted to some thirty or fort}' bearers 
of the *'emblem,"as we collected afew straglerson the way 
to our post. About dark some noise was heard in our rear, 
and upon enquiring it was ascertained that the mob was 
collecting in Baltimore street, and soon after we heard that 
maugre the ''Mace's and a bright moon-light which exhibi- 



84 

ted them distinctly the rascally mob were pelting our friends 
with brick-bats and stones as if wholly incapable of recog- 
nizing the character and signification of the "emblem." — 
Anon we heard the report of musketry, and our captain 
directed your deponent to repair to the scene of combat, 
and like corporal Trim to'^reconnoitreand act accordingly." 
This was a fearful advent ure, and not to be undertaken with- 
out due consideration. If he proceeded in his true charac- 
ter and exhiliited the "mace," he might be knocked on the 
head by the mob, and if he stript himself of his real char- 
acter he might be taken by the enemy and punished as a 
spy. Upon the whole however, he deemed the character a 
spy, the safest and forthwith depositing his "emblem," in' 
the hands of his comrades, lie proceeded down St. Pauls'* 
lane to Market street, and down Market towards Calvert 
street. Moving carefully along guaixling against surprize ho 
observed that a barnicade had been placed across Market 
street, and a loud shout announced that an attempt by the 
horse to force it had been defeated. A horse without the rider 
passed swiftly up the street, and tlie yellings of the mob 
gave assurance that they had at length "lapped" blood, and 
were thirsting for more. The missiles that flew in every 
direction induced him to return, and having reported to 
head quarters, he again proceeded to reconnoitre, tho' 
in a different direction. Taking a direction through Fay- 
atte to Calvert street, he learned that the mob had been 
beaten both at that point, and at Belvidere street, and he 
soon heard the shout of the mob crying — *'to Glenn's to 
Glenn's." And to Glenn's they went. 

While they were carrying on their depredations at Mr. 
Glenn's house, our Captain said he had received information 
that his position was to be assailed, and directed your de- 
ponent to go to the il/ayor and request him to send the 
liorse (who by this time had been armed,) to his assistance 
adding, that he could not maintain his position five minutes 
without the assistance of the horse. The message was 
borne to the Mayor who replied that he had no horsemen 
at his disposal. Some of our young men having heard the 
remarks, to the commander, went to the square and brought 
some muskets and ammunition. They were immediately 
ordered to take them away, Mr. Reed adding that he would 
not sufTer fire arms to be used by his men. Against this 
order there was a general clamour, and Mr. Reed resigned 
his command. This your deponent presumes, is all that 
it is necessary to sa}^ in relation to the commander of our 



85 

guards, as nothing more seems to come within the scope of 
the interrogatories. By orrfe;* of the Mayor I took charge 
of the company. About 13 musl^ets were procured, and 
some time after ive were assailed by a detachment of the 
mob, with a drummer at their head. To prevent the seri 
ous consequences which were threatened, your deponent 
advanced in front of his brave lads, now eager for the com- 
bat; the musketry supported on each flank by their com- 
panions armed with brick-bats only, he endeavoured to ex- 
postulate with the mob. They at first listened, and seem- 
ed disposed to change their course: but at length the speak- 
er was recognized^ as the commander of the guard and the 
shout of "mob him, mob him," were reiterated by the rio- 
ters without pity or remorse. The brick-bats flow and no 
time was lost in the retreat. The mob ruslied on, and the 
lads gave them a volley; but had no opportunity of repeat- 
ing it. Before the smoke of our muskets was gone the 
rabble had disappeared except the drummer, and a few o- 
thers who were captured and sent to the watch house. We 
were immediately reinforced from the square, by Captain 
Spurrier, and a few more muskets, and uniting with my 
command, he proceeded to Mr. Glenn's liouse when all the 
force of the mob was collected, drove them away, and could 
have taken and kept possession of the house if he had had 
the necessary supply of ammunition; I understood the mob 
were subsequently driven from this house by another com- 
pany, but the victory availed nothing, as no arangements 
were made to keep possession of the premises. 

From what has been said, it will be seen that no mea- 
sures were taken to prevent the destruction of any proper- 
ty except Mr. Johnson's, at any time previous to Monday 
afternoon, when the citizens rallied under Gen'l. Smith, 
and that the measures adopted for the defence of Mr. John- 
son's house, tho' hastily taken after night, and in great dis- 
order, were nevertheless successful. In fact the mob were 
beaten on Saturday night wherever they were attacked. — 
Even at Mr. Glenn's house, they were driven from their 
work of destruction, and Mr. Williams a relation of Mr. 
Glenn's, took possession of the house early in the morning, 
secured the entrances, and went out to Mr. Glenn's coun- 
try seat, to get permission to remove the remaining furni- 
ture. As however it was ascertained before his return, 
that the city was given up to Ihe mob, , a few men and a 
host of boys, were permitted to finish at their leisure, th« 
work of destruction. 



86 

To (he fifth interrogatory. He answers, that to ascer- 
tain the real strength of the mob, when it had attained ii« 
lull size, we must not compute them on Saturday night, nor 
on Sunday during the day, the multitudes who assembled 
before Mr. Glenn's house, because at those periods they 
were inseparable trom the multitudes of spectators, who as- 
sembled from curiosity only. But a fair estimate of the 
number of those who were personally, and activelj' engag- 
ed in the riot, may be pretty accurately made by those who 
were engaged in the destruction of Mr. Morris's, Mr. 
Ellicotts', Mr. Johnson's, and Mr. Hunt's property onSun- 
day night. At Mr. Johnson's the spectators were numer- 
ous, but at Mr. Morris's, Mr. Ellicott's and Mr. Hunt's, 
I have never heard them estimated at one hundred, and 
most of those who witnessed those scenes, and with whom 
1 have conversed, do not estimate their numbers at more 
than fifty persons. 

From this it will be seen, that one hundred men armed 
with muskets, could have put them down at any time. The 
persons composing a mob, have no confidence in eacli other. 
If resolutely attacked they fall into disorder, and each shifts 
for himself. They never rally in the presence of an op- 
posing force, armed with muskets and the authority to use 
them. Your deponent went early on Sunday morning to 
see his friend the Mayor, full of confidence that as the mob 
had been beaten the preceeding night, the measures now to 
be adopted would succeed in preventing further depreda- 
tions. He found My. W. G. Reed there and some other 
gentlemen. Mr. Reed advised the Mayor to make no fur- 
ther efibrt. It was utterly hopeless he said, and could only 
endanger his life, and exasperate the mob. Tip to this time, 
I had no despondency in Mr. Hunt, and there can be no 
doubt of his personal courage, or the amiable disposition 
of his heart. His anxieties had deprived him of sleep fot 
nearly a week. He was worn out with fatigue, and destrac- 
ted by the contradictory councils of his friends, and he wa9 
less disposed to consult the dictates of his own sound judg- 
ment, than to listen to the council of those who volunteer- 
ed to advise him. I soon found that he was now incapable 
of acting with decision especially, as he had been inform- 
ed that Col. Howard had not been able to collect the troops 
under his command. Added to all this the circumstance of 
his having been a director inthe Bank of Maryland, para- 
lyzed all his energies. It hung upon him, like an incubOi 
from the beginning of these riots, and now he allowed him* 



87 

flelt, to think that h© was deserted by (he cammunity in 
consequence of it. In all his public harangues, the rabble 
renninded him of his Directorship. In vain did he answer, 
and truly answer that he was a mere nominal director, and 
that both himself and his widowed sisters, had been in- 
volved in the common calamity of the depositions. The 
accusation of fraud or unpardonable negligence was reiter- 
ated with a vehemence, and a bitterness which nothing could 
appease. 

Your deponent heard at Mr. Hunt's, that a thousand of 
the mob had collected in the Haw Lot, and as he did not 
credit it went to ascertain the fallacy of the rumor in order 
to re-assure the mayor. Before his return tiie fatal procla- 
mation was written, and the mayor had gone from home. 
He did not sleep that night at Mv. Blair's as Mr. Owings 
testifies, but at Dr. Miller's. On Monday he became con- 
vinced that in consequence of his former connexion with 
the Bank of Maryland he could not discharge the duties of 
his office with advantage to the community who elected 
him, and he resigned. Perhaps he was wrong, but he act- 
ed conscientiously: he had taken up the impression that the 
community had generally lost confidence in him in conse- 
quence of the disastrous failure of the Bunk of Maryland, 
and he resigned the office to which the former confidence of 
his constituents had elevated him. 

The town was on Sunday, Sunday night and the fore- 
noon of Monday in the undisturbed possession of the mob, 
and such was the panic that twenty lads could have entered 
and plundered any house in the city without opposition. — 
Furniture from Mr. Glenn's house was taken through the 
streets in open day by boys, even down Market street^ in 
the sight of hundreds of people, without question or at- 
tempt at rescue. On Monday afternoon a reaction took 
place, and as soon as the disposition to defend the city was 
known the danger was over. 

To the sixth interrogatory he answers. That rumours 
spread through the town in all directions that the house of 
deponent and many others were to be destroyed on Monday 
night. He does not know on what foundation they rested 
in respect to others; but persons on whom he relied, assur- 
ed him thai the}' had been in the midst of the mob on Sun- 
day night and heard his name announced among the pro- 
scribed. He moved his family and furniture, and was fairly 
persecuted out of town by his friends. 

Upon the whole such were the disastrous consequences of 



88 

Ihe measures taken to preserve the peace of the city in Au- 
gust last, that it ought liereafter to be repeated until it 
comes into the currency of a proverb, that whoever shall 
in future propose to put down a mob without men and mus- 
kets, is a fool, a coward, or what is worse than either, a 
base time-serving pohlician. 

Cross interrogatories by Mr. JOHNSON. 

First. When arms were brought to your post, how ma- 
ny persons and who were they, besides Mr. Read that lelt 
the post because of their proposed use? 

Second. Without the use of arms at that post could the 
command there have sustained themselves against the at- 
tack of the mob on that evening, or could the property de- 
signed to be attacked have been defended, or the command 
itself been saved from great personal injury? 

Third. Have you any recolleclion of a conversation be- 
tween yourself and Mr. Read in relation to the use of arms 
on that evening, and particularly as to the probability or 
possibility that the attack of the mob might be drawn upon 
the Baltimore Convent. If you do state it? 

Answers — 1. I know of none who left the post in con- 
sequence of the demand made for fire arms, except Mr. 
Read the commander, and Mr. Nelson the second in com- 
mand. 

2. The men would have abandoned the post if arms had 
not been procured; some of them announced their determi- 
nation to do so to Mr, Read, and this occasioned his resig 
nation; but had they remained without fire arms until the 
attack was made by the mob, they would have been beaten 
as they were out-numbered greatly by the mob. They 
could not therefore have defended the property they were 
appointed to guard, and might have been sacrificed. 

3. When Mr. Read announced his intention to resign the 
command, I took him aside and remonstrated with him on 
the impropriety of leaving the young men to theirown dis- 
cretion, as they might use them without necessity. He an- 
swered that he was conscientious on the subject; he eouid 
not authorise the shooting of his fellow citizens. I observ- 
ed to him that it only required a hint to direct the mob to 
the Convent. <<If they attack the Convent, said he, I will 
die there." And why not here, said 1. I am as ready to 
defend [he Convent as Mr. Johnson's house, for a mob is 
always wrong. I have no personal intimacy with Mr. 
Johnson, but he is a fellow citizen. Mr. Read replied, that 
*'the whole eommunity were against us and it wasimpossi_ 



89 

ble to resist." I do not pretend to give the conversation in 
the precise words used either by Mv. Read or myself, but 
the substance certainly, and the words as nearly as I can 
recollect. 

Interrogatories put to Adj. Gen. JOHN N. WATKINS, 
on the part of the memorialists. 

First. Will you state how and in what manner the requi- 
sition from the Governor on the President of the United 
States was made out in Annapolis and transmitted to Wash- 
ington? 

Second. Was not the requisition prepared by R. John- 
son, and did he not give it as his opinion that under the 
circumstances in which Baltimore was, with the authority 
of a letter you then had from the Governor, you had the 
right, and that it was j'our duty to sign the requisition ia 
the Governor's name? and did not that opinion govern you 
and induce you to sign said requisition? 

Second. There being some difficulty as to the mode of 
transmitting this requisition to Washington, did not R. 
Johnson offer and insist on taking it himself the same night, 
and relinquish his design only upon the offer of Mv. Ran- 
dall and Mv. George Franklin to take the same? 

Third, Was either the Governor or the Clerk of the 
Council in Annapolis at that time? 

Fourth. Was not R. Johnson solicitous to return to Bal- 
timore several days before he actually went there, and by 
whom was he dissuaded from returning? 

Answers, The requisition from the Governor on the Pre- 
sident of the United States was made in consequence of a 
letter received from Judge Brice, in which he detailed the 
deplorable condition of the city of Baltimore given over to 
the ruthless violence of an infuriated mob, calling upon his 
Excellency to exercise the authority with which he was 
invested in obtaining the aid of the National Government 
to assist the authorities of the city of Baltimore. 

The requisition was made out in Annapolis by Reverdy 
Johnson, Esq. and transmitted to Washington. 

Mr. Johnson did give it as his opinion, that under the 
circumstances in which Baltimore was, and with the au- 
thority I possessed under a letter from the Governor, I had 
the right and it was my duty to sign the requisition in the 
name of the Governor. This opinion being in accordance 
with my own views, I did not hesitate to sign the name of 
James Thomas, Governor of Maryland, to the requisition. 
12 



90 

Mr. Johnson did offer and insist on taking the requisition 
to Washington, but was induced to relinquish his design, 
upon the advice of his friends and by the offer of Alexan- 
der Randall and George Franklin, Esquires, to perform 
that duty. 

The Governor and the Clerk of the Council were absent 
from the seat ot government, the former detained at his re- 
sidence in St. Msivy's county, by serious indisposition, the 
latter, I think, on a visit to Philadelphia. 

3fT. Johnson was extremely solicitous for several days 
previous to his departure, during the commotions to repair 
to the city of Baltimore, but was dissuaded by the earnest 
entreaties of his friends. 

By the consent of the Committee, John Nelson, Esq. 
made a verbal statement to the committee justifying and 
explanatory of the course he had pursued in relation to se- 
veral matters detailed by some of the witnesses. 



91 



Letter from John Scotty Esq. 

Baltimore, March I6th, 1836. 

Dr. Sir — This morning for the first time I saw and read 
in the Chronicle, a part of of the evidence taken on the 
memorials of John B. Morris and others for indemnity, 
and was greatly surprised to find that Henry Myers, the 
President of the First Branch of the City Council of Bal- 
timore, had taken an unjustifiable liberty Avith my name, 
and had stated that a joint committee was appointed who 
made a unanimous report, approving the conduct of the 
Mayor throughout, John Scott being Chairman of the 
Committee. This is untrue in point of fact and for the 
pupose of showing that this is a gratuitous assertion on 
his part, I enclose to you a copy of the proceedings of 
both branches of the City Council, at its extra session, 
from the 10th to the 13th August last, and beg of you to 
place them, together with this letter, with the proceedings 
of the said committee. 

The report of the committee to which, I presume, he al- 
ludes, is to be found in the proceedings of 10th August, 
and he should have better informed himself of its contents 
before he undertook to speak of them from memory, for 
you will find that it does not warrant his assertion of the 
approval of the conduct of Jesse Hunt from 7th to 10th 
August. On the contrary then, as now and always, both 
before and since the disgraceful riots of August last, I 
have entertained but one sentiment on this subject, that such 
tumultuous disturbances should be put down by an armed 
force. This opinion I expressed in the committee which 
made the report before mentioned, but as the majority of 
the committee were not disposed to recommend such mea- 
sures, and as I knew that a meeting was being held at the 
Exchange, which would recommend the adoption of the 
only means calculated to produce the desired effect, I con- 
sented to concur in the report of August,but in it there is not 
one word of approval of the conduct of Jesse Hunt. 

Afterwards, on VVednefday, 12th August, I dntroduced 
the resolutions there to be found, and upon reference to the 
next page, it will be manifest that it was not my intention- 
to approve of the conduct of Jesse Hunt. Seethe amend- 
ment proposed by Mr Siedenstricker, and the substitute 
offered by myself. It has more of the damning faint praise 



92 

of approbation in it. I beg also to refer you to pajes 8 and 
9, by which it will appear that the amendment proposed 
by Mr. Ridgely as a substitute for the resolulions offered by 
myself, contained so faint an approbation of the conduct of 
Jesse Hunt, that his best friend, Mr. Siedenstricker, did 
not vote for it. 

Permit me now to state, what knowledge I have of 
the proceedings of the mob in August last. On Wed- 
nesday 5th August, Mr. Hunt called at my office, and in- 
formed me that placards had been put up in the streets, 
threatening violence to the property of Messrs. John- 
son, Glenn and others. I then remarked, that all my 
reading and observations lead me to the conclusion, that 
a mob could only be put down by an armed force, and 
asked him if he had made any arrangement for call- 
ing out the military, to which he replied that he had not 
and that he did not believe that it would be necessary. 
I then reasserted my opinion, and advised him to call 
upon the military, which he said he was unwilling to do, I 
then remarked that the Watch and City Constables amount- 
ed to at least one hundred men and that I supposed he at 
least, had (hem well armed, to which he replied that he 
had not — that he was afraid to trust them with arms and so 
we parted. 

On Thursday I was loo much indisposed to leave the 
house. On Friday I was out of town until late in the 
evening. About 8 o'clock, P. M. that morning, I went 
down to Washington Square, where I caw a large and ri- 
otuous multitude assembled, without any effective force to 
repel their aggressions; and my previous opinions were 
confirmed, that they could only be put down by an armed 
force. 

On Saturday afternoon, I was at the meeting at the City 
Hall, and there again advocated the calling out of an arm- 
ed force to suppress tlie mob. I was one of those at that 
meeting who pledged ourselves to aid the civil authority; 
and although from bodily infirmity, not calculated to per- 
form the duties of a soldier, was out on guard at the in- 
terssction of St. Paul's and Fayettee street, one of the 
avenues leading to Washington Square, with arms, and 
disposed to use them, until a late hour, when I retired from 
mere exhaustion. 

I should not have troubled you about this matter, but for 
the improper use of my name by Mr. MycvSy which hag 



93 

rendered it incumbent upon me to vindicate myself from 
the aspersion of having approved of the feeble and ineffi- 
cient means which were adopted by our civil authorities to 
suppress the riots in August last. 
I remain, 

Very Respectfully, 

Your Ob't. Serv't. 

JOHN SCOTT. 
Wm. D. Merrick, Chairman. 



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